--- title: "Google and Gmail scams: how to spot them and stay safe" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/google-gmail-scams source: TapSafely description: "Is that Google and Gmail message real? The warning signs, Google and Gmail's real websites, how to check safely and where to report a fake." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/[Brand scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/brands)/ Google and Gmail # Google and Gmail scams: how to spot them and stay safe Scammers copy Google and Gmail because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake Google and Gmail message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 ## In short Google says it will never call you about your account security, and it will not ask for your password, ask you to read out a verification code or ask you to approve a sign-in prompt. Gmail also says it will not ask for personal information such as your password by email. **Most common fake:** Phone call from 'Google support' about a hacked account. **Safest check:** Hang up on anyone who calls saying they are from Google about your account. Example · fake Google and Gmail message · Illustrative, links disabled Google Account: Your storage is full. Your photos and emails will be deleted within 48 hours. Upgrade now to keep your files: google-storage-renew[.]net/account An example fake Google and Gmail message with the warning signs highlighted. ## What Google and Gmail says Google says it will never call you about your account security, and it will not ask for your password, ask you to read out a verification code or ask you to approve a sign-in prompt. Gmail also says it will not ask for personal information such as your password by email. Source: [Google (Gmail Help)](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8253?hl=en) ## Common fake Google and Gmail messages - Phone call from 'Google support' about a hacked account - Email saying your storage is full and your files will be deleted - Request to read out a verification code or approve a sign-in prompt - Fake Google prize or lottery win - Fake invoice for Google Ads or a Google Maps listing ## Google and Gmail's real web addresses Genuine Google and Gmail links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: **google.com** is real, but **google-support-center.com** or **google.com.account-check.top** are not. - **google.com** - **gmail.com** Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. [Learn how to read a web address](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links). ## How to check a Google and Gmail message safely 1. Hang up on anyone who calls saying they are from Google about your account 2. Never share a verification code or approve a sign-in you did not start 3. Go to your Google Account yourself and run Security Checkup to review recent activity 4. Hover over links to check where they really go before clicking ## How to report a fake Google and Gmail message - In Gmail, open the message, select More next to Reply, then choose Report phishing. [Official details on support.google.com](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8253?hl=en) - Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. [Official details on reportfraud.ftc.gov](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. [See the worldwide list](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). ## If you clicked, paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card. 2. If you entered a password, change it on the real Google and Gmail website or app and turn on two-step verification. 3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account". 4. Report the scam, then delete the message. More help: [Verification-code and account-takeover scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/verification-code-scams) and [what to do after a scam](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Does Google and Gmail send messages asking for payment or personal details? Google says it will never call you about your account security, and it will not ask for your password, ask you to read out a verification code or ask you to approve a sign-in prompt. Gmail also says it will not ask for personal information such as your password by email. How can I check if a Google and Gmail message is real? Hang up on anyone who calls saying they are from Google about your account. Never share a verification code or approve a sign-in you did not start. Go to your Google Account yourself and run Security Checkup to review recent activity. Hover over links to check where they really go before clicking. How do I report a fake Google and Gmail message? In Gmail, open the message, select More next to Reply, then choose Report phishing. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. I clicked a link in a fake Google and Gmail message. What should I do? Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it. ## Official sources and further reading We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies. - [Avoid and report phishing emails](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8253?hl=en) (Google (Gmail Help)) - [Google Account Security Scam via Phone Call](https://support.google.com/faqs/answer/17170932?hl=en) (Google) - [Avoid and report scams](https://support.google.com/faqs/answer/2952493?hl=en) (Google) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report) ### Free check tools - [Link checker](https://tapsafely.com/link-checker) - [QR code checker](https://tapsafely.com/qr-code-checker) - [Screenshot checker](https://tapsafely.com/screenshot-scam-checker) - [Scam glossary](https://tapsafely.com/scam-glossary) ## Related [Guide ### Verification-code and account-takeover scams “I sent you a code by mistake, can you send it back?” How scammers steal WhatsApp, email and bank accounts with one-time… Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/verification-code-scams)[Brand alert ### Wells Fargo scam texts: how to spot a fake Wells Fargo says it will never ask for your password, PIN or one-time access code by email or text, and it wil… How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/wells-fargo-scam-texts)[Brand alert ### Telegram scams: how to spot them and stay safe Telegram sends login codes only to the verified service notifications chat named Telegram in your chat list, a… How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/telegram-scams)[Brand alert ### USPS scam texts: how to spot a fake USPS says it will not send you texts or emails unless you first asked for updates using a tracking number, and… How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/usps-scam-texts)