Microsoft Bing is tricking unsuspecting users searching for Google by displaying a webpage that looks like Google Search.

This type of strategy is sometimes called a “dark pattern,” or a deceptive pattern that tricks users into doing something they did not intend. Below the Google-looking search bar, including a Google Doodle-esque cartoon, regular Bing results are displayed.

Is imitation really the best form of flattery? In an effort to get more people to use Bing, Microsoft appears to be disguising its Bing searches as Google ones for any users seeking to ditch Microsoft's default for the world's most used search engine.

If you can't beat 'em, just imitate their branding, hide yours and hope they don't notice It looks like Microsoft has come up with a new trick to keep those who accidentally end up on Bing from leaving for Google: Simply mimic the look of Google's homepage and hope no one will notice.

Searching for “Google” on Microsoft Bing right now (when logged out) brings up a search experience that looks a lot like Google, with a graphic akin to one of the search giant’s signature Doodles, but is actually still Microsoft Bing.

To trigger the Google result, you must use Bing without logging into a Microsoft account. The Google result has a search bar, an image that looks suspiciously like a Google Doodle, and even some tiny text under the bar, creating a Google-like design.

But if you use that search bar that appears below the doodle, your search results will still be funneled through Bing. Scrolling on the page with the spoofed Google bar reveals the actual Bing search results, however, which start with a link to the real Google search engine.

Bing is using a clever new trick to convince users into thinking that they're using Google by changing the look of the site.

When you search for the word Google using Microsoft Edge's address bar, you'll notice that the result is loaded in Bing, but with a spoofed Google UI. This appears to be a way to trick people into believing that they're using Google.

Microsoft is reportedly using deceptive tactics to grow its market share against Google in the search landscape by making Bing look like Google.

Using Bing, Microsoft's own search engine that challenges Google's monopoly, is something the company would really, really, really like you