Technology
AI-powered scam targets 2.5 billion Gmail users in sophisticated phishing attacks
Gmail is used by nearly 2.5 billion users worldwide, making it a frequent target for scammers. If you use Gmail, you’ve probably encountered phishing emails impersonating popular companies like Microsoft, Google, Apple and others. These scams are often easy to spot due to suspicious email addresses and other red flags like poor grammar or urgent requests for personal information.
However, a new AI-powered scam is making the rounds, and it’s much harder to detect unless you’re very cautious. Wondering how this scam works and how to protect yourself? I’ve got you covered. In this article, I’ll share a real-life example and provide practical tips to safeguard your information.
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A new AI-powered scam is targeting Gmail users. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How does this scam work?
Sam Mitrovic, a Microsoft solutions consultant, shared his experience of being targeted by an elaborate scam that preyed on Gmail users. He recounted how it all started with a seemingly innocent notification:
“Recently, I received a notification to approve a Gmail account recovery attempt. The request originated from the United States. I denied the request and, about 40 minutes later, received a missed call. The missed call showed the caller ID as Google Sydney.”
Sam shrugged off the missed call, but the pattern repeated exactly one week later. He received another Gmail account recovery notification from the U.S. followed again by a call. This time, he answered.
“It’s an American voice, very polite and professional. The number is Australian. He introduces himself and says that there is suspicious activity on my account. He asks if I’m travelling (sic). When I said no, he asks if I logged in from Germany to which I reply no. He says that someone has had access to my account for a week and that they have downloaded the account data. (I then get a flashback of the recovery notification a week before).”
Sam quickly Googled the phone number, and it appeared in Google’s official documentation. Still skeptical, he asked the caller to send an email for verification. When the email arrived, the sender seemed legitimate at first glance, coming from a Google domain. However, Sam noticed a red flag: The “To field” contained an email address named GoogleMail at InternalCaseTracking dot com. This address doesn’t belong to Google.
Upon doing research, Sam discovered that the person on the other end wasn’t human but AI. This approach is part of a well-known phishing methodology aimed at confirming account recovery or password resets. But when combined with AI calls and email spoofing, this scam becomes particularly dangerous.
Scammers can target Gmail’s account recovery notifications. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How are scammers spoofing Google’s email address?
Mitrovic pointed out that scammers spoofed the sender’s email address to make it appear as if it were from Google. They utilized Salesforce CRM, a platform that enables users to customize the sender information to anything they choose while sending emails through Gmail and Google servers.
CyberGuy reached out to Google for a comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
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Scammers can spoof Google’s email address. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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5 ways to protect yourself from Gmail AI scam
1) Understanding Google’s automated support system: Google has billions of users, so contacting them regarding any issue requires significant resources. Everything is automated, and Google doesn’t call Gmail users unless they have a connected Google Business Profile.
2) Inspect email addresses carefully: Always check the email address carefully. In this case, the email included a recipient address that was not associated with a Google domain. Additionally, there were no other active sessions on the victim’s Google account besides his own.
3) Be cautious with links and attachments: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious emails. Instead, navigate directly to the website by typing the URL into your browser.
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
4) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Use 2FA on your accounts to add an extra layer of security. This requires a second form of verification, such as a text message or authentication app, making it harder for scammers to gain access even if they have your password.
5) Regularly monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your accounts for any unusual activity. Set up notifications for login attempts and changes to your account information. Early detection can prevent further damage.
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Kurt’s key takeaway
While AI has some useful applications, it is more actively exploited by scammers to make their schemes more believable. The Gmail AI scam demonstrates how AI can make scams harder to detect, and anyone who isn’t careful may fall victim to these scams. Google should work on improving scam filters to ensure that these impersonation scams do not reach people’s mailboxes. You can also do your part by being cautious and avoiding unknown links.
How confident are you in your ability to identify a scam? What resources do you use to educate yourself about online security? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
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You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
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This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
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5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
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