Your Gmail account is a target, even if you’re careful
Matt V
February 04, 2025
Hackers are using AI to make scams more convincing than ever.
A new phishing attack targeted Google users with fake support calls, official-looking emails, and deepfake voices.
Even tech experts nearly fell for it.
A clever scam that almost worked
Zach Latta, founder of Hack Club, got a call from "Google support." The caller ID, voice, and follow-up email all looked real.
They claimed his account was hacked and temporarily blocked. The phone number even matched Google's website.
Just as he was about to click a recovery link, he realised—it was an AI scam.
AI makes fake voices sound real. Attackers may send security alerts days before calling to build trust.
Their goal? To steal your login details or trick you into approving a hacker’s access.
Here’s how you can stay safe:
Google won’t call you. If someone claims to be Google support, hang up.
Check your account activity. Scroll to the bottom of Gmail’s web version to see if anyone else has logged in.
Use Advanced Protection. Google’s free security feature requires a physical passkey, blocking hackers even if they steal your password.
Google has shut down the scammer’s account, but AI phishing is evolving fast. Knowing how these scams work is your best defence.
Google: "We won’t call you." Hackers: "Bet."