With the holiday season in full swing, Google is reminding Gmail users to be vigilant against festive scams. The company is highlighting its built-in Gmail security features and offering valuable tips to help users avoid falling prey to fraudulent emails.
“Thanks to new Gmail security features we launched over the past year, users reported 35% fewer scams (phishing, malware, etc.) hitting inboxes during the first month of the holiday season compared to last year. Millions more unwanted and potentially dangerous messages were blocked before they even reached inboxes,” said Google in a blog post.
Here’s Google shared a scam warning and tips to keep you safe.
Common holiday scams:
* Phishing scams: These emails often come disguised as greetings or order confirmations from legitimate companies. They may contain malicious links or attachments that can steal your personal information or infect your device with malware.
* Fake shipping notifications: Fraudsters may impersonate delivery services to trick you into clicking on links or providing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details.
* Spoofed charity appeals: These emails manipulate users’ generosity by posing as reputable charities. Always research the organization before donating online.
Gmail’s built-in security features:
Fortunately, Gmail offers several robust security features to protect users from scams:
* Spam filters: Gmail automatically filters out a significant amount of spam and phishing emails.
* Warning labels: Many suspicious emails are clearly marked with warnings like “Be careful with this message” or “External sender.”
* Two-factor authentication: This extra layer of security makes it harder for unauthorised users to access your account even if they possess your password.
Simple tips for staying safe:
* Beware of unsolicited emails: Don’t click on links or open attachments in emails from unknown senders.
* Verify sender addresses: Double-check the email address before clicking on anything. Legitimate companies will use their official domains.
* Don’t be pressured into acting fast: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making mistakes.
* Research before donating: Before you donate to a charity, research them online to ensure their legitimacy.
* Report suspicious emails: Report any suspicious emails to Google to help improve its spam filters.
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