Ah, the power of the internet! With just a few keystrokes, you can search for anything your heart desires. However, if you’ve ever clicked on the first search result you saw, especially when looking for health insurance or government healthcare programs like Medicare, your heart might desire a little more caution. Because guess what? That top result might just be a sneaky scam in disguise!

Picture this: You eagerly type “aca insurance” into your search engine, your finger poised to click on the very first link. But wait! That link takes you to a website that’s as official as my cat wearing a tie—looks the part, but isn’t legit. Welcome to the world of search result shenanigans, where dishonest businesses pay big bucks to masquerade as official government websites. These tricksters want your personal info, unnecessary fees, and your signature on misleading services. Yikes!

So, how do you avoid these digital con artists? Let’s break it down:

Spot the “Ad”:

Before you click, check for tiny “Ad” or “Sponsored” labels next to the search result. These labels are like neon signs saying, “Someone paid to be here!” While not all ads are bad, knowing what’s an ad can help you make an informed decision.

Check the URL:

A website ending in .gov is your golden ticket to legitimate U.S. government information. If you’re browsing a site that ends in .com, .org, or any other URL suffix, it’s time to raise an eyebrow and double-check its authenticity. For example, HealthCare.gov is as real as it gets!

Scroll Down:

Don’t be a victim of the top-of-the-page trap! Scroll past the paid ads to find organic search results. These gems are ranked by relevance, not by who forked over the most cash. A little scrolling can lead you to the right place and save you from scammer shenanigans.

And remember, if you stumble upon a search scam, don’t keep it to yourself! Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. By doing so, you’re not just helping yourself, but also your fellow internet surfers who might unknowingly dive into scammy waters.

So, next time you search online, channel your inner detective. Be skeptical, be smart, and don’t be afraid to scroll down! Your click could be the difference between finding the real deal and falling for a digital dupe.

For the original article, visit: FTC Article on Search Scams

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/06/searching-health-insurance-keep-scrolling-avoid-government-impersonators