GOOGLE users must be wary of a dangerous scam that is very easy to fall for.
It turns up in your email inbox and seems harmless – but it’s far from safe.
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In fact, this type of con typically aims to steal your private info (which could be used to hack or defraud you) or even your money.
The email appears to be from Google and says that you’ve won a prize.
It will make a claim along the lines of you having made a historic Google search (like the 20billionth) and you can redeem a reward.
But Google doesn’t offer any such schemes, and the email should be ignored and deleted.
One post from a user on the Google forums who received an email like this asked: “Is this a scam?
“I have received notification saying that [I] have made the 18.25billionth search and I get a reward.
“However, I am not sure if it is real and not a scam.”
It included a screenshot of the email, which appears convincing at a glance.
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But it’s actually a clever con designed to trick victims into giving cyber-crooks what they want.
The scam in question reads: “Online Reward Program. You’e made the 18.25-billionth search!
“Congratulations! You are the lucky Google user!
“Every 10millionth search is reached worldwide, we will proclaim a lucky user to send out a thank-you gift.
“Based on our last 7 days’ user data, you are the lucky user!
“Please select your reward below and claim it by following the instruction.”
There are some clear signs that this is a scam, including the odd phrasing in some of the sentences.
But the most important sign is that Google states on its website that it does not offer any such prizes.
It specifically warns users who “have received a message about winning a prize or lottery from Google”.
“Google does not run lotteries, sweepstakes, or similar programs,” Google advised.
“Emails or advertisements claiming otherwise are fraudulent and can be safely reported as spam.”
There are lots of possible variations of this scam.
It could ask for your personal info for the reward, or even request financial information to give you your payment.
Another possibility is that you’re asked to click a link and install some app or download a file to redeem your prize.
Any of these techniques could lead to your machine being compromised, private info leaked, and your bank raided.
If you’re unsure about an email claiming to be from Google, it’s best to contact the tech giant directly to verify it.
