Google is warning Gmail’s billions of users to be extra careful after a new wave of phishing scams started circulating. The attackers are disguising their emails as official security alerts. Some messages look like the familiar “suspicious sign-in prevented” warning, while others pretend to be voicemail notifications. Both try to get users to click through and log in.
Once a victim enters their details on the fake page, the attackers can collect everything—email addresses, passwords, and even two-factor authentication codes. That’s enough to take over the inbox and, with it, access to banking, shopping, and social accounts tied to the same address.
What’s Behind the Scam
These phishing attempts are effective because they mimic what people already expect to see from Google. Real sign-in alerts aren’t unusual, so when a fake one appears, many users click without thinking twice. Security researchers say the scammers are also routing their messages through legitimate services, which helps them slip past spam filters. Add in convincing layouts, Google logos, and even CAPTCHAs, and the emails can be difficult to spot as fraud.
How to Recognize and Avoid It
The current wave usually arrives in two forms:
- A warning about a blocked sign-in attempt.
- A “New Voicemail” email with a big button to listen.
Google’s advice is clear: don’t click. If you want to check your account, go directly to your Google Account page, head to the Security tab, and review recent activity. If you see anything you don’t recognize, change your password immediately and secure the account.
Why It Matters
Losing access to Gmail doesn’t just mean losing email. Because most services—from shopping sites to online banking—are linked to an inbox, a compromised account can have wide-ranging consequences. Hackers who gain access can go far beyond reading your emails. They’re often able to reset passwords for other accounts, harvest personal information, and in some cases lock you out entirely. Security specialists stress the importance of adding extra protection—such as passkeys or authenticator apps—which make it far more difficult for phishing campaigns to succeed.
This latest wave of Gmail scams highlights how convincing phishing emails have become. The rule of thumb is simple: never click links in unexpected security messages. Instead, go directly to your account, review recent sign-ins, and secure it right away if you notice anything unusual. A few extra seconds of caution can keep your inbox—and everything connected to it—safe.
