Security teams are warning of a rise in scam ads circulating on YouTube. Users in multiple countries are reporting misleading, and sometimes highly convincing promotions. These are being shown alongside legitimate video content.
The scam ads circulating on YouTube currently cover a wide range of themes, including fake government schemes. Adverts for “Miracle” health products, investment opportunities, prize giveaways and AI-generated endorsements are also circulating. In many cases, clicking the advert redirects viewers to imitation news websites or look-alike portals. These are designed to collect personal details, payment information or small upfront fees.
Scam Ads circulating on YouTube can be hard to spot
What makes these scams particularly effective is how polished they can appear. Many use professional-looking branding, familiar logos, and well-written copy. Some even reference current news events or public figures. They are harder to spot at a glance — especially when viewers are relaxed or distracted.
Researchers say criminals are exploiting YouTube’s automated advertising system, using a technique known as malvertising. Ads are submitted through legitimate channels and placed via automated auctions. This means fraudulent content can sometimes appear before it is detected and removed. The growing availability of low-cost AI tools has made the problem worse, allowing scammers to quickly generate large numbers of slightly different ads to bypass basic checks.
YouTube, and its parent company Google, do remove vast numbers of harmful ads each year, but the sheer volume of submissions means some scams still slip through — often briefly, but long enough to cause harm.
This is particularly relevant over the Christmas and New Year period, when many people spend more time watching online video content on personal devices. Increased screen time, combined with seasonal offers, financial pressure and judgement being affected by alcohol and distractions, could make scam adverts significantly more effective than usual.
What should viewers and businesses do?
- Treat YouTube adverts with the same caution as unsolicited emails or messages
- Be wary of ads promising guaranteed returns, urgent action or “too good to be true” results
- Avoid entering personal or payment details after clicking an advert
- Educate employees about cybercrime
- Encourage staff and family members to report suspicious ads using YouTube’s reporting tools
Cosurica’s View
Advertising platforms remain a valuable way for legitimate businesses to reach audiences, but they are also an attractive target for criminals. The presence of an advert on a trusted platform does not guarantee it is safe.
A little scepticism — especially during quieter holiday periods — remains one of the most effective defences.
Training your employees on how to spot scams and other methods used by cybercriminals, before they can do harm, is one of the most proactive security measures you can take to protect your employees, you and your business.
There’s more information about cybersecurity for SMEs on the National Cyber Security Centre’s website.
If you want to put a proactive training system in place in your organisation, we have just the solution you need – Knowbe4. Read more about it here, or get in touch to discuss your cybersecurity training requirements in more depth.
