Looking up customer service or booking help online is meant to be simple, but for some Google users, it has become a dangerous trap. Google’s AI Overviews—a feature designed to offer quick answers at the top of search results—has recently been linked to displaying fraudulent customer support numbers, which scammers are exploiting.
A recent case shared by Facebook user Alex Rivlin revealed the risks. While searching for Royal Caribbean’s shuttle booking contact, Google’s AI Overview showed a number that seemed official. After calling it, Rivlin spoke to someone claiming to be a company representative. The person asked for his credit card details, then demanded more fees and personal data. Sensing something was wrong, he ended the call and later found unauthorised charges on his card, which he managed to block.
It turned out the same phone number was also listed as fake support for other cruise lines like Disney and Princess Cruises. While the scam tactic itself isn’t new, AI tools have amplified its reach. Scammers spread fake numbers across various websites, which AI may mistakenly consider credible, making such fraudulent listings more visible and believable.