As we wrap up 2024 while prepping for the holiday seasons, Google warns about holiday scams executed through Gmail. As we book hotels or flights for our holiday trip, fraudsters can misuse the data we share while booking. Let’s take a detailed look at how fraudsters can attack your Gmail.
Is your Gmail prone to scams?
Google has issued a warning against three popular scams which are widely taking place. This could include usage of phishing, spam and malware tricks to steal your money. This is because Gmail can become one of their primary targets to grab your attention.
So what are the scams that might happen with you? Here’s the list of scams that can be executed through your Gmail:
Invoice Scams: Through this scammers can send fake invoices. These invoices then ask you to call a number to get rid of the charges. Once contact is made, the scammers try to manipulate victims into paying fraudulent fees.
Extortion Scams: You could receive threatening emails containing personal information. Scammers then threaten you that they will cause physical harm or release their sensitive information if you don’t pay a huge ransom to them.
Celebrity Scams: Celebrities’ names are misused by fraudsters to execute scams. Fraudsters pretend to be celebrities and claim their endorsement of products. They can also share offers which are too good to be true. So, since a celebrity is endorsing them, you might end up believing them. This eventually leads you falling in money laundering scams.
The safety nets
But how do you stay safe from these scams? Enlisted below are some safety nets which you can take for staying safe:
- First, do not open spam mails. Avoid opening attachments which come through such mails. You can also use spam filters.
- Next do not go for clicking on urgent call to actions (CTA). For example links notifying ‘grab now’ or ‘don’t miss the chance,’ can make you fall in secretly draining your data.
- In case you receive any threatening mail report to official helplines.
- .Add two-factor authentication. This adds an extra security layer
- Gmail has this inbuilt feature that labels suspicious mails as ‘warning messages.’ Look out for such notifications.
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