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Gmail Scam Uses Your Phone Against You!
27 Feb
Summary
- Scam texts pretend to be from Gmail, warning of account compromise.
- Attackers may use stolen info to SIM swap, gaining access to 2FA.
- Experts advise changing Google passwords and enabling strong 2FA.
Gmail users are currently facing a sophisticated phishing scam that leverages their own phone numbers. Fraudulent text messages, impersonating 'Gmail from Google,' alert recipients about compromised accounts and offer a 'Recover Account' link. Clicking this link directs users to fake websites designed to steal their Gmail credentials.
Cybercriminals can combine stolen passwords with personal data, such as phone numbers, to initiate SIM swaps. This process can transfer a user's number to a SIM card controlled by the attacker, potentially bypassing SMS-based two-factor authentication codes. These deceptive texts often cite suspicious login attempts from foreign IP addresses to heighten user alarm.
To combat this threat, security experts recommend immediate actions. Users should change their Google passwords and activate two-factor authentication (2FA), preferably using an authenticator app or hardware key over SMS. Updating all other accounts that share the compromised password is also critical.
Further protection involves securing mobile carrier accounts with measures like SIM PINs, account passcodes, or port freezes to prevent unauthorized number transfers. Monitoring account activity for unusual logins and enabling login alerts can provide early warnings of potential breaches. Reporting phishing attempts to Google and the FTC is also encouraged.
