Scammers are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to mimic real voices and trick Gmail users into giving up personal data and money. This most modern scam, known as the ‘Super Realistic AI Scam Call’ is highly convincing and takes just a few simple steps to succeed. Here’s how it unfolds:
Step One: You receive an alert, either by SMS or email, saying someone has tried to log in to your Gmail account from another country. Naturally, you might either change your password or ignore the notification. But regardless of your action, the scam moves to its most deceptive stage.
Step Two: Shortly after, you get a phone call that appears to be from Google. This is where AI comes in. The voice is computer-generated but sounds exactly like a real person, speaking in a professional tone, often with an American accent. The voice tells you that someone is trying to access your account, and even if you’ve already changed your password, they may still be able to get in. To prevent this, they say, you need to take additional security measures, and they promise to send a link to help you do that.
Then, you receive an email or SMS with a link, looking like it’s from Google. It might claim to help you recover your account or secure it further. But it’s a fake. Clicking on the link or following their instructions gives the scammers full access to your Gmail account. They can then use your one-time passwords (OTPs) and other details to steal your money and personal data.
Stay Safe Against the Most Modern Scams
Verify Email Authenticity: Always check that emails claiming to be from Google are genuinely from google.com. If you’re unsure, don’t take any action until you can confirm the source. Reach out to someone with technical expertise if needed.
- Ignore Unsolicited Requests: Never approve any requests for access or information that you didn’t initiate. Scammers often rely on unsuspecting approvals to gain access to personal data.
- Validate Suspicious Calls: If you receive a call claiming to be from Google or any other service, verify the caller’s identity using a reliable app like Truecaller. Do not provide any information over the phone unless you’re 100% sure it’s legitimate.
- Monitor Your Gmail Activity: Regularly check the ‘My Activity’ section in your Gmail account to spot any unusual logins or actions. This tool helps you stay on top of any potential unauthorized activity.
- Create Strong, Unique Passwords: Use complex, unique passwords for each account, including Gmail. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them, and make it a habit to change passwords periodically.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For added security, activate 2FA on your accounts. This extra step ensures that even if your password is compromised, unauthorized users can’t access your account without the second verification method.
- Be Wary of Phishing Links: Never click on links from emails or messages unless you are absolutely certain they’re from a legitimate source. Scammers often disguise harmful links to look like they come from trusted entities.
- Install and Maintain Security Software: Use updated antivirus software and enable anti-phishing tools to protect against malicious websites and harmful emails.
- Be Mindful of Public Networks: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts like Gmail when using public Wi-Fi networks, as they are often unsecured and can be exploited by hackers.
Stay Alert: Google will never ask for your password or send links via phone calls or text messages to “secure” your account. If you ever receive such a message, contact Google support directly through their official channels.
INFORMATIVE | Why genetic testing is required before marriage in Abu Dhabi