In today's world, internet scams have become a common occurrence, with something new happening almost every day. Recently, it has been reported that Gmail scams are on the rise. Your Gmail account can be easily hacked if you make certain mistakes. Let's dive into what you should and should not do to protect your Gmail account from being compromised.
Before moving forward, let me share a recent incident with you. An Australian man received a call saying someone from Germany wanted to access his Gmail account. Naturally, he became concerned and quickly checked Google for any information related to the call. The surprising part was that the number from which he received the call was an official Google phone number. He thought to himself that phone number spoofing has become quite common, so he decided to ask the caller to send an email instead.
After some time, the caller sent him an email using Google's official email address. Even then, the man was suspicious, so he checked his Gmail activity. To his surprise, everything appeared normal, and there were no signs of any unauthorized access. This incident highlights a critical point: just because an email appears to come from an official source, it doesn't necessarily mean it's genuine. Always double-check, even if it looks like it's coming from Google or any trusted source.
Now, let me share some tips on how you can secure your Gmail account and avoid falling victim to such scams:
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This is one of the most important steps to secure your Gmail account. With 2FA, even if someone gets hold of your password, they will need a second piece of information (usually a code sent to your phone) to access your account.
2. Check Account Activity Regularly: Gmail allows you to check recent activity on your account, including logins from different locations and devices. If you notice any suspicious activity, immediately change your password and enable two-factor authentication.
3. Beware of Phishing Emails: Hackers often impersonate Google or other trusted sources to steal your information. Always double-check the sender's email address, even if the email looks legitimate. Be cautious of emails that ask you to click on links or provide personal information.
4. Create Strong Passwords: Use a strong, unique password that combines letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like your name, birthdate, or "password123."
5. Update Recovery Information: Ensure that your recovery email address and phone number are up-to-date. This will help you regain access to your account in case it gets hacked.
6. Be Careful with Third-Party Apps: Don't give access to your Gmail account to unknown third-party apps or services. Always review the permissions granted to these apps and revoke access if necessary.
Gmail is a secure platform, but it's essential to take extra precautions to protect your account. Even though Google sends official emails and makes phone calls, scammers can still impersonate them. Be vigilant and follow the steps above to safeguard your Gmail account. Stay informed, and don't let yourself become a victim of internet scams.