Scammers are taking over Gmail accounts, here’s what not to do to protect your account – Times of India

Gmail users beware! A kind of phishing scam is targeting inboxes, and this time, they might be smarter than ever. According to a recent report by The Forbes, scammers are utilising AI-powered techniques to craft highly personalised and convincing emails, making them more difficult to detect.
These scams typically operate by mimicking legitimate sources like banks, social media platforms, or even Google itself.The emails might contain details specific to your online activity or personal information gleaned from data breaches, creating a false sense of trust.
Scammers then urge you to click on a suspicious link or divulge your login credentials. Once you do, they gain access to your account and wreak havoc, potentially stealing sensitive data or hijacking other accounts linked to your Gmail.

The Rise of AI-powered phishing

The use of AI in these scams makes them particularly dangerous. AI algorithms can analyse large amounts of data and identify patterns in email communication. This allows scammers to craft emails with personalised language and details that resonate with the recipient, increasing the likelihood of falling victim to the scam.

Here’s what not to do to protect yourself:

* Clicking unfamiliar links: Never click on links embedded in emails from unknown senders. Verify the sender’s email address and hover over the link to see the actual website it directs you to before clicking.
* Sharing login information: Legitimate companies will never request login details through email. If an email claims to be from Google or another platform and asks for your password, it’s a scam!
* Rushing to respond: Scammers often use urgency to manipulate you. Don’t panic! Take your time to verify the sender and information in the email before taking any action.

How to stay safe:

* Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security, 2FA requires a code from your phone or another device to log in, even if someone has your password.
* Beware of spoofed emails: Scammers can create email addresses that closely resemble legitimate companies. Look out for misspellings or unusual domains in the sender’s email address.
* Report phishing attempts: If you receive a suspicious email, report it to Google! This helps them track and block similar attempts in the future.