A new AI-based Gmail account takeover scam has surfaced, catching unsuspecting users off-guard with its sophisticated tactics. IT consultant Sam Mitrovic, who recently encountered this scheme, warns users to be cautious of unusual Gmail recovery attempts followed by suspiciously professional-sounding customer service calls.
The Call That Raised Red Flags
Mitrovic initially received a notification asking him to approve a Gmail account recovery, which he denied. But just 40 minutes later, he got a call from a number that appeared to be Google Sydney’s official line. He declined the call but felt uneasy. A week later, another recovery attempt was made, followed by another call—this time from a number in Australia. Curious, Mitrovic answered.
The caller was “polite and professional,” claiming that his account had been accessed illegally and his data downloaded. This alarmed Mitrovic, reminding him of the previous incident. The call seemed legitimate—so much so that when Mitrovic asked for confirmation, the number and email he received matched Google Australia’s support team.
How to Stay Safe from Sophisticated Scams
However, Mitrovic’s diligence paid off. After carefully checking the email’s details, he noticed that the email was not from an official Google domain but a cleverly disguised fake. He also found no signs of unusual logins in his account history. That’s when Mitrovic realized the call wasn’t genuine—the voice, while seemingly perfect, was too flawless. The caller wasn’t a real person but an AI-generated voice designed to imitate Google’s support.
This scam leverages common phishing tactics like spoofing phone numbers and email addresses, making it harder for even tech-savvy individuals to identify. The end goal is usually to capture login details through fake login portals or even use “cookie-stealing malware” to bypass two-factor authentication.
Mitrovic’s experience serves as a reminder of the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals. He advises users to remain vigilant, double-check email addresses and phone numbers, and never act impulsively during unexpected recovery attempts. Seeking help from trusted sources when in doubt can save you from falling victim to these kinds of scams.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates.
