The Rise of Scam Websites Selling Keto Gummies

Google, the go-to search engine for millions of users worldwide, has recently come under scrutiny for allowing scam websites to manipulate search results. In a four-month investigation, the News10NBC Team uncovered a sophisticated scam operation selling keto gummies, targeting unsuspecting consumers looking for health products online.

When searching for “keto gummies” on Google, the first results that appeared were ads promoting questionable products. Clicking on these ads led to fake articles endorsing the gummies, often featuring stock photos of supposed health professionals. One such example was a fake article written by a person named Adam Gold, who claimed to be a certified health coach from Florida. However, further investigation revealed that the same individual appeared under different names and professions on various websites, exposing the scam.

Despite Google’s extensive ad policies aimed at preventing scams, the investigation found that scam ads were constantly being replaced after removal. The common characteristics of these scam websites included using Namecheap Inc. as the registrar, redacting the owner’s name for privacy, and listing a fake address in Reykjavik, Iceland. The investigation also uncovered scams among organic search results, with fake endorsements from reputable organizations like the American Heart Association and the University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychiatry.

Even tiny community colleges like SUNY Broome were not immune to the scam, with fake reviews of keto gummies appearing in search results. The scammers went as far as fabricating endorsements from “Shark Tank” contestants to lend credibility to their products. The investigation raised questions about how scammers were able to manipulate real search results and how Google allowed it to happen.

In response to the investigation, Google spokesperson Davis Thompson stated, “Bad actors are constantly evolving their methods to try to evade our protections, requiring close attention from our teams. We’ve reviewed the additional screenshots you shared with us and taken appropriate action.”

To help consumers identify fake search results, the investigation recommended using Google image search to verify the authenticity of the information. Tips for spotting scams included being wary of unfamiliar products, scrutinizing glowing reviews, and checking for photoshopped images or celebrity endorsements.

Key Takeaways:

• Google under fire for allowing scam websites to manipulate search results
• Scammers use fake endorsements and fabricated reviews to deceive consumers
• Consumers advised to use Google image search and be cautious of glowing reviews and celebrity endorsements