Gmail users are seeing a surge in email traffic during the holiday season, making it more challenging than usual to protect inboxes. However, with its advanced spam and scam technology, including AI models that can block 20% more spam than before, Gmail has seen a 35% reduction in scams compared to last year.
The new security features have been instrumental in keeping inboxes safe, but scammers are still persistent. To stay ahead of scams, here are four tips:
Slow down: Scams often create a sense of urgency, so take time to ask questions and think it through.
Spot check: Verify the details of an email by doing your research and validating the sender’s address.
Stop! Don’t send: Reputable organizations will never demand payment or personal info on the spot.
Report it: Mark suspicious emails as spam to make your inbox cleaner and help others.
Additionally, be aware of three common holiday scams:
Invoice scams: Fake invoices sent with the intention of soliciting phone calls to dispute “charges” and convince victims to pay.
Celebrity scams: Scammers pretending to come from famous people or claiming endorsement for a product.
Extortion scams: Threats of physical harm or releasing personal material, often including details about your home address.
By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can help keep your inbox safe this holiday season.
Source: https://blog.google/products/gmail/gmail-holidays-2024-spam-scam