Articles

Don't Get Hooked by Fake Ads: What You Need to Know About Malvertising

Stay Safe Online with NW Plus Credit Union

Imagine this: you're planning your dream vacation—a tropical cruise, maybe—and you're double-checking your reservation. You do a quick Google search to find the cruise line’s customer service number. At the very top, there's a sponsored ad that looks exactly like what you need. You call the number, and a friendly voice on the other end says they’ve found you a better deal, significantly cheaper. All they need is your credit card information to cancel and rebook.

Sounds helpful, right?

Unfortunately, this is a common scam known as malvertising, short for malicious advertising. Cybercriminals buy ad space on search engines like Google and design fake ads that appear trustworthy. These ads often link to malicious websites or provide phone numbers to fraudulent call centers. The goal? To steal your personal or financial information.

What Makes Malvertising So Dangerous?

Unlike obvious phishing emails or suspicious pop-ups, malvertising looks legitimate. These ads can even mimic the branding and tone of the real company. And because they show up in trusted spaces—like the top of a Google search—it’s easy to fall for them.

How to Protect Yourself

At NW Plus Credit Union, we care about your financial safety—not just in our branches, but wherever you go online. Here are a few simple steps to stay safe from malvertising scams:

• Think Twice About “Too Good to Be True” Deals

Malvertisers often lure you in with huge discounts or urgent time-limited offers. If a deal seems unrealistic, it probably is.

• Don’t Trust Ads Just Because They’re on Google

Anyone—including scammers—can buy sponsored ads. Being at the top of your search results doesn’t guarantee an ad is safe or legitimate.

• Use Official Websites and Verified Contact Info

Always go directly to the official website of a business to find their phone number or support page. Better yet, bookmark important sites you trust.

• When in Doubt, Reach Out

Unsure if something is legitimate? NW Plus members can contact us anytime. We’re here to help you make smart, secure decisions with your money.

Choose NW Plus

At NW Plus Credit Union, We See You—your goals, your hard work, and your need for financial peace of mind. That’s why we offer tools like fraud/security resources and identity protection to help keep you safe.

When you bank with us, you’re more than a member—you’re seen, supported, and protected. We See You.

Join NW Plus today at nwpluscu.com or visit a local branch.

Never share your account number, passwords, answers to security questions, or other account information. We will never ask you for this type of information when we call or email you. If someone claiming to be a NW Plus CU representative asks for sensitive account information over the phone or in an email, end the conversation immediately, and call us at 425.297.1000 or come to one of our branches to report the incident.