Sandra Dunham
What you see first when you google something is rarely the thing you want. Currently, the first result is AI’s interpretation of what you are looking for. Next, come advertisements. These campaigns pay to have Google point to their website when you google specific words or phrases. This may provide helpful information, but can also provide links ranging from useless to spams or outright scams.
The AI response to your query is often a great synopsis of many pieces of information. Often, I am lulled into accepting this as fact and often it is correct. However, it is not guaranteed to be correct (for example, Google’s AI has recommended using non-toxic glue to stick cheese to pizza, and suggested that people eat rocks). If the information I am looking for requires precision or when misinformation might have serious consequences I take care to go to a trusted source.
Recently I was roasting a turkey, and, as I always do, I googled “Turkey Roasting Time.” The first result was from AI, which incorrectly advised me to roast my turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (and did not differentiate between stuffed or unstuffed). Think Turkey – from Canadian Turkey – advises that the internal temperature of a fully cooked turkey (with the thermometer inserted into the thigh) is 170°F for an unstuffed turkey or 180°F for a stuffed bird. A small, yet important difference.
The issue of ads can have several negative consequences for users. Anyone who travels has had the experience of searching for a hotel and finding a hotel booking site. Previously, in this situation, I thought I had booked a hotel through its website. I did review the URL and it seemed to be the hotel’s site. However, it actually was a third party and the price I was charged had a very hefty administrative fee. Fortunately, I was able to dispute the charge through my credit card, and have my money refunded.
A friend recently lost $400 when she paid her cell phone bill online. The Google search for her phone company returned a result that seemed correct. She clicked on it and proceeded to pay her bill. Only later was she aware that the site was not legitimate.
The computer makes everything easy. It also makes it easy for the scammers who prey upon the naive and careless. One seemingly harmless click can land us in a world of trouble.
On November 9, 2025, Amy JS Vethanayagam, a cybersecurity specialist and a CFIC council member, will be providing a workshop Cyber-Security Awareness. Don’t wait to get scammed. Join us and learn how to avoid being duped. Please pre-register for this free event.
Good advice! When I book a hotel, I run Trivago first to see who is offering what in my area. From booking.com, hotels.com, and expedia, I select my preferred hotel and best quoted price. Then I go to that hotel’s website to get their toll free phone number. I then call the hotel front desk directly, asking them to match the best quote I got from hotels.com, etc. I usually get that on-line price, and sometimes even lower.