11 Things You Should Never Search On Google

Lot of people use Google for searching almost everything they want to know about. Which is a great thing in itself, but there are often cases of when people got into danger for searching certain things on Google.

Remember that Google is a search engine, and it’s not the oracle of the modern world. Many of the Google’s search results can cause you harm or cost you money or just plainly embarrass you later on.

We have created a list of certain things you should never search on Google, and if you really want to do it then we are going to tell you how to be cautious and safe:

#1. Do not Google login pages for online banking websites

If you google for the login page for your bank’s website, there are high chances you might click on a page that looks exactly like your bank’s website. The scammers even keep the URL almost similar that you might miss it if you are not paying attention. And if you enter your user ID and password there, then you have already lost your money.

To avoid this, either remember what the exact URL for your bank’s website is, or better yet – use the banking app for your transactions.

#2. Do not search your health symptoms on Google

Health related websites on Google function like everything else on the Internet – through clickbait and shocking content. You google symptoms of your cough and find out that you have Hepatitis B with a side of cancer, been pregnant for a while now, and have only two weeks to live.

Visit a medical expert, do not self-diagnose based on what shady medical websites tell you.

#3. Do not search for customer service numbers of companies on Google

If you search customer service numbers on Google, chances are the results will show you the numbers put up by scammers. And if you call those numbers then they might extract sensitive information from you, such as your credit card details, your address, etc.

Better way is to go to the official company website, and get the contact number from their page.

#4. Do not search for apps on Google

Google search results for any app will lead you to shady websites and shady apps in the search results. To be fair even the Google Play Store has plenty of malicious apps, and perhaps the only way to avoid that is to check for reviews, ratings, and the app developer’s name and find out how authentic they are.

#5. Do not search on Google for weight loss tips

Most weight loss and nutrition websites on the Internet are trying to sell you sauna belts, shady supplements, or hormone-altering medicines which will do you no good. If you search for tips on Google, it is very likely that you’ll find no legit help.

You can still look for tips, but make sure to double-check them with an expert. And do not buy anything that offers a miracle solution.

#6. Do not search for financial advice on Google

There will be websites telling you how you can earn good money from home, or fast money with minimal effort, and some websites will even pretend to help you invest your money in the stock market.

These websites usually trap people into pyramid schemes, or scam money by charging you some signup or consultation fee – once they get your money, they leave you marooned.

Note: Never ever sign up for any pyramid scheme. Never pay to any website which claims to help you earn money if you pay them first.

#7. Do not search for government websites on Google

There are many fake government websites on the Internet, with similar URL and design to the original ones. They might target you to extract your personal data.

#8. Do not search social media websites on Google to login

If you search for a login page for a social media website, then chances are that you might click on a phishing page that looks exactly like the original login page. If you put your login info there, your username and password will get sent to the scammer.

Always look at the URL bar to make sure you are logging into the correct website.

#9. Do not search e-commerce coupons on Google

If you are searching for coupons for Amazon or Walmart, and some websites gives you the code – they always ask you to click on a link that will take you to the website. In most cases it takes you to a fake website that looks similar, and if you end up entering your credit card info to make a purchase then your money is as good as lost.

Best way forward is to copy the coupon code and paste it on the original website, if it doesn’t work then the coupon is fake.

#10. Do not search free antivirus apps or software on Google

Free antivirus software on Google is mostly a scam. If some random webpage opens on your browser and tells you your PC or phone is infected and will shut down within 24 hours or something like that – it’s always a scam. Close the page immediately.

#11. Do not search porn or NSFW content on Google

Well, use incognito if you must. If you search porn, NSFW content, or any weird things on Google – remember that Google tracks your search history and then shows you ads similar to that. Imagine these ads showing up when someone else from your house or office is your computer.

Just use incognito.

Or try these 5 privacy-protected browsers which are also faster and better than Chrome.

Featured Image Courtesy: Sasha Grey

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