Responding to reports of scammers using advanced methods to hack into Gmail accounts, Google has issued a response. A Google spokesperson directed The Epoch Times to a post that provides tips for spotting email, phone, text, and web scams and what to do if encountered. The post highlights the use of advanced technology by malicious actors in various scams such as fake phone calls and emails. Recent warnings from a technology investment CEO and a Microsoft security blogger have indicated that scammers are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for more sophisticated tactics.
In a blog post last month, Microsoft IT consultant Sam Mitrovic shared his experience of receiving an AI-generated voice call attempting to trick him into revealing sensitive information about his account. Mitrovic warned that these scams are becoming increasingly convincing and deployed on a larger scale.
Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator, also reported receiving a phishing scam involving an AI-generated voice claiming to be from Google Support. Tan cautioned against clicking “yes” in the prompted dialogue as it could lead to phishing attempts.
Google has provided several tips for Gmail users on how to spot potential scams. Users should exercise caution when receiving emails from unknown sources or those requesting personal information. Password reset requests that were not initiated by the user should be ignored as they may be attempts by bad actors to gain access.
Additionally, users should be wary of poor grammar, misspellings, or unusual fonts in emails as these could indicate scam attempts. Urgent requests for personal information from unfamiliar email accounts or strangers should also raise suspicion.
For phone-based scams, Google advises asking questions to verify details provided by the caller and avoiding clicking on links sent via text message from unknown sources. Two-factor verification is recommended but temporary passwords or passcodes should never be shared.
Google also offers built-in security features in its Phone and Messages apps that notify users about suspicious messages potentially linked to scams.