Criminals Use Google's Inactive Account Policy Change

TallMark Tips to Spot Phishing Scams

Google recently announced a change to its inactive account policies. Starting in December 2023, accounts that have been inactive for two or more years will start to get deleted. This policy is meant to enhance security, but cybercriminals could use it to their advantage.
In the coming months, we expect to see an influx of phishing scams based on Google's new policies. Cybercriminals may send you phishing emails claiming that your Google account will be deleted unless you take immediate action. They may also ask you for your Google login credentials. If you fall victim to these scams, cybercriminals could steal your sensitive information or impersonate you to scam others.
Here are some tip to help spot and avoid phishing scams:

• Be skeptical of emails claiming that your account will be deleted. Google will never send you an email asking for your personal information. If you receive an email like this, it is a scam.
• Verify the legitimacy of the email. Look for any red flags, such as spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and inconsistent formatting. You can also hover over the sender's email address to see the actual address. If the address doesn't look legitimate, don't open the email.
• Think before you click. Phishing emails are designed to catch you off guard and trick you into clicking on a malicious link or opening an attachment. If you are unsure whether an email is legitimate, don't click on any links or open any attachments.
• Be cautious before logging in to accounts through an email link. Instead, navigate to the organization's official website to log in. You can always find the official website by searching for it in a web browser.

If you think you may have been the victim of a phishing scam, change your Google password immediately and contact Google support. You should also monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity.

Here are some additional tips from TallMark to enhance your security:

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Google account. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in.
• Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect you from phishing attacks and other cyber threats.
• Be careful what information you share online. Cybercriminals can use information from social media, LinkedIn, and other online sources to target you in phishing attacks.

Mark Fleeting, cofounder of TallMark Security states "By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from phishing scams and keep your Google account and other personal information safe. If you have any questions send us an email or gives us call. Lets talk.