Warning about new scam targeting Gmail users
A new scam is targeting Gmail users, starting with just a call from an unknown phone number but can make you lose control of your personal account in just a few minutes.
Scammers are getting more and more sophisticated and are constantly coming up with new ways to steal personal information, especially targeting gullible users. One of the new scams that is spreading today involves Gmail accounts and it starts very simply, with just a call from an unknown phone number.
Some Gmail users have reported receiving calls from people claiming to be from Google. The caller ID on the phone screen looks similar to official support numbers, making victims more likely to trust them. The caller claims that your Google account is experiencing security issues and needs “urgent action.”
They then offer to send you a code or a link to “reset your account,” which you need to click to log back in. Worryingly, these links are designed to look exactly like Google’s real authentication page. But if you follow them, you’re effectively giving the scammer full access to your Gmail account.
Similar attacks have also been reported against users of Apple devices, and Google and other reputable tech companies will never call you directly and ask you to verify your account through strange links. If you encounter a similar situation, it is best to hang up and check your account through official channels.
Google Won't Call You and Here's Why You Should Be Wary
One of the most sophisticated scams today is based on the assumption that users will easily trust a call from a large company like Google. Because in many people's minds, Google is a trustworthy "tech giant", and a call from them, even if unexpected, still seems reasonable. However, this is the weakness that scammers are exploiting.
In fact, Google almost never initiates a direct call to individual users about account issues. If there is a problem with Gmail or any other service, the company will usually reach out via official email or system notification. Any handling is also done through pre-established security platforms, such as the account management page or two-factor authentication (2FA).
So if you get a call from someone claiming to be from Google and asking you to click on a link to “protect your account,” be extremely cautious. While these links may seem trustworthy, they could be a gateway for hackers to take over your entire Gmail account.
The advice from cybersecurity experts is simple but effective: hang up immediately, don't provide any information, and never click on strange links. Instead, check your account yourself through Google's official site and always enable additional layers of protection like two-factor authentication.
A security expert once said: “Try calling Google or Microsoft and see how hard it is to talk to a real employee. What would you think if someone claiming to be their employee called you first?” The answer is obvious./.
