Don't Be A Victim Of Gmail Phishing Scam

Don’t Be A Victim Of Gmail Phishing Scam

May 4, 2010 Computer Safety Tip

The Phishers have done it again, except this time they are targeting Gmail users. Google Mail as many people know is a free web based Pop3 and IMAP email service which is provided by none other than Google. It is currently being used by almost millions of people across the globe. Due to the vast amount of people making use of Gmail and its facilities it is not surprising that cybercriminals have targeted Gmail to perform their malicious scams.

This time cybercriminals are tricking Gmail users by sending them a message, that is geared towards trying to get them to click the link in order to secure their Gmail account. This message may look like it comes from Gmail Security Team and has even been set up in this manner to look authentic and to get people to fall for it.

The most alarming aspect is that once users click on this link which has been specifically set up, they will land on a third party web site that may appear identical to the Gmail login screen. This may all be done for the purpose of actually stealing both usernames as well as passwords.

The email reads as follows:

“From: Gmail Security Team <access@gmail.com>

Subject: Secure Your Gmail Account

We have initiated verification on your email address.
Verifying your email address ensures that you can securely retrieve your account information if your password is lost or stolen. You must verify your email address before you can use it on Gmail services that require an email address.

To complete verification, click on the link below:

CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR GMAIL
For your security, please keep your email address information up-to-date.
Thank You
Gmail Team
© 2010 Google. All Rights Reserved”

It is important for all Gmail users to be aware of the risks involved and to know that this is in fact a scam. Any email which you receive which is supposedly from the Gmail Security Team is a warning sign for you to be extremely careful and not click on any of the links provided. It is going to be within your best interest to simply delete the email and not even open it at all. Remember you are not paranoid if you think that cybercriminals are out to get you, because the truth of the matter is that they are.