Google has issued an urgent security alert to its 2.5 billion Gmail users, warning of a significant rise in holiday season scams.
The tech giant, in a blog post on Google’s Product News, highlighted the increased activity of cybercriminals targeting users during this peak period.
Since mid-November, Gmail has experienced a sharp uptick in email traffic, a trend that Google attributes to scammers exploiting the holiday rush. “The holiday season is a peak period for cybercriminals, with a second wave of attacks as they adapt their tactics,” the company noted.
Despite Gmail’s robust spam filters, which block over 99.9% of malicious emails, Google emphasised the need for user vigilance.
Google outlined three prevalent scams circulating this season:
- Invoice Scams
Scammers send fake invoices to trick users into calling to dispute charges, using the interaction to extract payments or sensitive information. - Celebrity Scams
Fraudsters impersonate celebrities or claim endorsements to build trust, leading victims to fraudulent offers that result in financial loss or identity theft. - Extortion Scams
Using intimidation, scammers send threatening emails containing personal details to extort victims, often demanding a ransom to avoid harm or the release of sensitive information.
To combat these scams, Google advised users to follow these steps:
- Slow It Down
Avoid reacting impulsively to emails marked as “urgent” or requiring “immediate action.” Take a moment to assess the situation before proceeding. - Spot Check
Verify the sender’s email address and details. Look for inconsistencies and perform a quick online search to confirm the email’s authenticity. - Stop! Don’t Send
Never share financial details or personal information in response to unsolicited emails. Legitimate organisations won’t ask for such details via email. - Report It
Mark suspicious emails as spam or phishing in Gmail. This action helps protect your inbox and contributes to global efforts to fight scams.
Google highlighted its advancements in artificial intelligence as a crucial element in bolstering Gmail’s security. The introduction of a new large language model (LLM) trained on phishing, malware, and spam has enhanced Gmail’s spam-blocking capabilities by 20%, processing 1,000 times more user-reported spam daily.
Additionally, a recently launched AI model acts as a supervisory layer, analysing hundreds of threat signals in real time to deploy protective measures.
As cybercriminals intensify their efforts during the holiday season, Google’s warning serves as a reminder for users to remain cautious. By adopting the recommended safety measures, Gmail users can reduce their vulnerability and enjoy a secure holiday season.
For more information, visit Google’s official blog post on holiday scams and security tips.
