NAIRAMETRICS
Google has issued a critical security warning to its 2.5 billion Gmail users, cautioning against a surge in holiday season scams.
The tech giant disclosed this in an official blog post on Google’s Product News, emphasizing the need for vigilance as scammers intensify their activities during this period.
In its announcement, Google revealed a sharp rise in email traffic since mid-November, describing the holiday season as a peak period for cybercriminals.
“With more than 2.5 billion users, Gmail is the world’s largest email provider, and we know how important it is to keep inboxes everywhere safe. We invest heavily to meet this responsibility, blocking more than 99.9% of spam, phishing, and malware in Gmail,” the company stated.
Google warned users to remain alert, noting that scammers often adapt their tactics during the holiday season.
“We typically see a second wave of attacks around this time in the holiday season as attackers adjust and try new things,” the blog post stated.
The company identified three common scams currently in circulation:
1. Invoice scams
Fraudsters send fake invoices, prompting victims to call and dispute charges. They use the interaction to extract payments or sensitive information.
2. Celebrity scams
These scams exploit the popularity of celebrities to deceive users. Fraudsters either impersonate famous personalities or falsely claim that a celebrity is endorsing a product or service.
The association with a celebrity builds trust and encourages victims to engage with fraudulent offers, often leading to financial loss or identity theft.
3. Extortion scams
Extortion scams are particularly alarming as they use fear and intimidation to manipulate victims. Scammers send threatening emails containing personal details, such as the victim’s home address or other sensitive information.
These messages often include threats of physical harm or the release of compromising personal data unless a ransom is paid. The inclusion of personal details makes the threats appear credible, pressuring victims into complying with the demands.
