Gmail Account Phishing Scam
Outline of Scam
Email, purporting to be from Google Support, claims that the recipient will lose his or her Gmail account if he or she does not reply with the account’s username and password and other personal information within seven days of receiving the message.
Brief Analysis
The message is not from Google. It is a phishing scam designed to steal the recipient’s Gmail login details. If a recipient replies with the requested information, Internet scammers can then hijack the his or her Gmail account and use it for further criminal activities.
| Example of the Phishing Email From: Gmail Support Subject: Your Gmail AccountDue to the congestion in our Gmail servers,there would be removal of all unused Gmail Accounts.You will have to confirm if your E-mail is still active by filling out your login info below after clicking the reply button, or your account will be suspended within 24 hours for security reasons. Account name: Warning!!! Account owner that refuses to update his or her account within Seven days of receiving this warning will lose his or her account permanently. The Gmail Team |
As with any phishing email never send any account information on request and never disclose your login or password.
Top tip:
Use different passwords for different online accounts to limit your exposure in case someone does get hold of your password.
