There’s a new Gmail account takeover scam making the rounds, and this one is sneakier than ever. Scammers aren’t just sending emails that look legitimate—they’re also making phone calls from numbers that appear to be from Google. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
How to Avoid Falling for This Scam:
1. Be Skeptical of Unexpected Communications
If you receive an unexpected email or phone call claiming to be from Google, especially if it’s concerning an urgent issue with your account, take a moment to investigate before clicking or responding. Scammers often use scare tactics to pressure you into taking quick (and often risky) actions.
What to watch for:
- Emails that use urgent language – “Your account has been compromised!” or “Action required immediately” is a red flag this is a scam.
- Unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from Google – Tech giants don’t typically make random calls, so if something feels off, hang up and contact Google directly through official channels.
2. Verify the Source
Scammers are getting pretty good at making their tricks look official and convincing, but there are still some telltale signs you can spot.
What to check:
- Caller ID can be faked – Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make them look like they’re coming from Google. Don’t trust a phone call just because the number seems legit.
- Email domains – Look closely at the sender’s email address. Scammers often use email addresses that look almost right but have slight misspellings or extra characters. If there’s any doubt, play it safe and contact Google directly.
3. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links or Following Caller Instructions
A classic ploy used by scammers is to direct you to click a link or follow specific instructions to “resolve” your account issue. Once they get this information, they use it to access personal account details.
What to remember:
- Never share verification codes – Google and other legitimate companies will never ask for your verification codes over the phone or email. Those codes are meant to protect your account, not be shared.
- Go directly to the source – Instead of clicking any links in the message or following the caller’s instructions, head to your account directly through your browser or the official Google app to check for notifications.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Account Safe
Staying safe online isn’t just about dodging scams. You can take a few proactive steps to increase security measures on your accounts.
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. Even if someone gets ahold of your password, they’ll still need a verification code (sent to your phone or email) to access your account.
Important reminder: If you receive a 2FA prompt that you didn’t initiate, never accept it! This could be a sign that someone is trying to gain unauthorized access to your account.
2. Use Strong Passwords
A strong password is one of your best defenses against scammers. Reusing the same password across multiple accounts is risky—if a scammer gets into one account, they get into all.
Pro Tip: Password Managers take the headache out of creating and remembering strong, unique passwords. They’ll generate secure passwords for you and store them safely, so you don’t have to keep track of everything.
3. Keep Your Software Updated
Regular software updates may seem like a hassle, but they’re crucial for patching security vulnerabilities. Scammers and hackers often exploit outdated software to get into your system. Keeping everything updated better protects you against the latest threats.
At Securus Systems, we’re all about making technology less frustrating and more secure. Think of us as your friendly neighborhood tech experts—here to help you navigate these digital challenges with ease and confidence.
If you ever feel unsure about an email, phone call, or notice something unusual with your IT systems, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to keep your tech running smoothly so you can focus on what you do best.
Stay safe, stay Securus!
