Beware! Hackers are using Google Docs to scam you

Netizens across the globe are being scammed by what looks like an invitation to log into their Google account. The phishing mail attempts to gain access to the users' Google account using a fake Google Docs file.

By: News Desk |
May 4, 2017 4:36 pm

The Internet can be a wary place to work at times. Scammers and hackers are always on a look out of new and creative means to snoop into the system of people and steal their private data. Back in January, a phishing scam was targeting Gmail users into giving up their account details and personal information. And now, another cyber scam is spreading like a wildfire on the Internet but unlike all other phishing scams that you have witnessed so far, this one seems totally legit (isn’t this scary or what!).

Apparently, the Internet users across the globe are being scammed by what looks like an invitation to log into their Google account. The phishing mail appears to be attempting to gain access to the Google account using a fake Google Docs file. However, unlike all other scams, this one is using Google’s legitimate apps and tools to scam people.

What’s scarier about this scam is the part that there are no tell-tale signs to detect it. However, there’s one way of identifying the malicious mail. If the mail has been addressed to ‘hhhhhhhhhhhhhh’ and ends in ‘mailinator.com’, do not open the mail at all.

“We have taken action to protect users against an email impersonating Google Docs and have disabled offending accounts. We’ve removed the fake pages, pushed updates through Safe Browsing, and our abuse team is working to prevent this kind of spoofing from happening again. We encourage users to report phishing emails in Gmail,” Google said in a statement.

ALSO READ: A phishing attack is scamming Gmail users. Here’s how you can save yourself!

While the tech giant has already put its team on work, it’s important that you remain cautious and refrain from clicking on any link that you do not recognise.

Happy surfing!

We’ve addressed the issue with a phishing email claiming to be Google Docs. If you think you were affected, visit https://t.co/O68nQjFhBL. pic.twitter.com/AtlX6oNZaf

— Google Docs (@googledocs) May 3, 2017

Meanwhile, check out what the Twitterati have to say about the cyber attack:

This is exactly why I don’t have google docs or an office job or any marketable skills or basic computer literacy.

— Mark Hoppus (@markhoppus) May 3, 2017

You know you’re unimportant when you don’t get the Google Docs phishing scam in your inbox.

— Brett (@DrunkenDonuts_) May 3, 2017

Step 1: Don’t click on the Google Docs links
Step 2: Don’t click on anything at all
Step 3: Unplug your computer
Step 4: Light it on fire

— David A. Graham (@GrahamDavidA) May 3, 2017

When you’re feeling down, just remember that there are people that fell for the Google Docs AND Sunny Co Clothing scams

— Andrew Marcum (@THEandrewmarcum) May 3, 2017

BREAKING: Russia takes control of US nuclear arsenal after President Trump mistakenly enters password into Fake Google Docs scam.

— Top Conservative Cat (@TeaPartyCat) May 4, 2017

Joke is on whoever started the Google Docs scam because I don’t even know HOW to operate Google Docs

— ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (@carrebsnid) May 3, 2017

twitter: google docs is sending phishing scam emails!!!! stay safe!!!
me, irresponsible, never checks their email: pic.twitter.com/MmecXgQ76h

— unhinged riker (@bigbardafree) May 3, 2017