Gmail users are being warned to take caution when opening new messages from unfamiliar senders, due to a surge of scam e-mails that are becoming "more extreme" in the lead up to Christmas.
Google is concerned over the huge amount of fraudulent messages that are being sent to innocent targets daily. The tech giant has reportedly blocked nearly 15 billion unwanted e-mails from landing in user inboxes in just one day.
Following Black Friday and ahead of Cyber Monday, which offers a mountain of online deals, it is important to be aware of potential scams.
This comes as Google has caught out some 231 billion phishing and fraud emails in the last two weeks a 10 percent jump of what is usually spotted, reports the Express.
Speaking about the worrying figures, a Google spokesperson explained: "These con artists are pesky and persistent during the best of times, but during the holiday season their behaviour is even more extreme.
"That’s why we have a dedicated team of Googlers who work around the clock to thwart these uninvited guests."
Although Gmail users have clearly been guarded against receiving billions of spam messages some do slip through the net so it's still vital everyone remains vigilant. To help its users spot dangerous messages, Google has now released some top tips to help people stay safe and this is advice that should definitely not be ignored.
Here is Google's top advice for spotting spam and keeping you PC and personal details safe from hackers.
Gift cards and giveaways
When the shopping season is in full swing, gift card and giveaway scams are too. Scammers may attempt to trick people into purchasing a gift card for them — sometimes using the guise of a known contact — or dangle a free prize in exchange for sharing their credit card information.
Charities
Attackers don’t show any restraint during the season of giving. In fact, charity-related scams and phishing attempts get worse this time of year, hurting both those who fall prey to the scams and the charities that would have benefited from the giving. be on the lookout for anyone asking you to contact them on their personal email or send money to them directly.
Demographic targeting
Some of the most pernicious scams are the most specifically targeted to you. These scams might seem more personal because they include some specific element of your life or identity.
Subscription renewals
As we approach the end of the year, subscription renewal scams can spike.
A particularly unwelcome version of these emails spoof antivirus services, which lure victims with the promise of improved security.
While some scammers can make their message look very convincing, always be sure to check the sender’s email. If it looks off, it may be fraudulent.
Crypto scams
A whole class of scams to itself, crypto-based scams can run rampant this time of year.
A common variation of these scams uses a cryptocurrency wallet to collect payment and often attempts to extort funds from a victim through a threat. Some big red flags include typos, email addresses that seem off, or demands for payment.
If you're unsure about a message don't open it and certainly don't start clicking on links or handing over any personal details as this could leave you in serious trouble.
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