CYBERSECURITY experts have warned Google users to be vigilant when receiving messages.
Certain messages are clear signs of a scam and should be ignored and deleted.
1
Experts at Trend Micro revealed five popular Google Chat scams on the cybersecurity site blog.
The scam on the list involves romance and this can appear in many forms.
ROMANCE SCAMS
You may get a message from a fake profile asking to be friends or to chat.
If the conversation turns romantic quickly and you’re suddenly asked for money, this is a warning sign.
READ MORE ON GOOGLE
“These scams often involve emotional manipulation to deceive victims,” Trend Micro warned.
COMMON PHISHING
Common phishing can involve a scammer actively seeking information like your address, password, and date of birth.
This may come in the form of a fake survey sent to you or another malicious link that can steal your private information.
TECH SUPPORT SCAM
If you receive a message from tech support via Google Chat, be very wary.
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
“Tech support scams involve scammers posing as Google Chat representatives or tech support agents.
“They claim that there is an issue with your account or device and ask for remote access or payment to fix the problem,” Trend Micro explains.
I got scammed out of hundreds when I thought Boohoo scouted me as an influencer – it was weeks before the penny dropped, now I’m gutted
Google’s tech support would not contact you in this way.
JOB OFFERS
Another scam trend flagged by the expert involves fake job offers.
It’s not common to be offered a job via Google Chat and if the offer seems too good to be true it likely is.
Make sure you thoroughly do your research when it comes to new career opportunities.
INVESTMENT SCAMS
If you’re being offered an investment opportunity online, it’s also worth doing your own research.
This is a common technique used by scammers to take your cash and give you nothing in return.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“These scams are very popular on many platforms, and Google Chat is no different.
“Scammers may promise high returns on investments or ask for money to invest in fake opportunities,” Trend Micro warns.
Top tips on avoiding scams from a bank
As scams become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, it is important you know how to spot a scam and how to avoid them.
- Be skeptical of online deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media.
- Scammers will often use tactics to make you panicked so you make quick decisions – be cautious if you are told to take immediate action and verify who has contacted you.
- Chase Bank warns customers to “never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first.”
- Never send money to someone you have only spoken to online or by phone as this is likely a romance scam.
- Unless you 100% know who you are talking to, never give someone remote access to your device.
- Never accept help from strangers at an ATM and always be vigilant when making withdrawals.
- Do not send money or click any links indicating that you have won a prize.
Source: Chase.com
This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
