What The Tech: Making sure you “Google search” leads to the best results
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Tech Reporter
Google is trusted by billions of people every day to deliver the best answers in seconds. Type in a question, click one of the first links, and you’re on your way.
But sometimes, those top results aren’t what you’re actually looking for.
In some cases, they’re exactly what someone else wants you to click.
For more than two decades, we’ve been trained to trust the first few results on a Google search page. It feels natural. If it’s at the top, it must be the best, right?
Not always.
Take this example. Search for “apply for ETA travel to London.” The top result looks official. It has a professional design, a convincing logo, and all the right language. But it’s not the UK government’s website.
Travelers have reported being charged more than $100 for something that costs about $10 on the official site. The process is exactly the same. The difference is you’re paying a third party to submit the application for you. They act as a middleman and charge a hefty fee for something you could easily do yourself.
These sites aren’t necessarily scams. They are legitimate businesses offering a service. But it’s a service many people don’t realize they don’t need. And that’s where the problem starts.
Google labels these results as “Sponsored,” meaning companies pay to appear at the top. But those labels can be small and easy to miss, especially if you’re in a hurry or using your phone. That often pushes the official website further down the page. Sometimes below companies with poor reviews or complaints about refunds.
It’s not just travel sites. This happens with tech support searches, software downloads, and even customer service numbers. In some cases, outright scam sites can slip into those top positions.
The takeaway is simple. Don’t assume the first result is the right one.
Take a second to look closely at what you’re clicking. Check the web address. Look for the word “Sponsored.” And if money is involved, it’s worth making sure you’re on the official site. Because one wrong click can cost you a lot more than just a few extra seconds
