Google Chat is a messaging platform that rivals WhatsApp or Telegram in which, as with any app, responsible use must be carried out. Used by hundreds of millions of people around the world, like any mass online service, it attracts cybercriminals who intend to steal personal information or impersonate users.
In this article you will find the most common scams that can occur on Google Chat, so that you can easily detect them and not fall prey to people with bad intentions when you are using this Google messaging service.
Beware of these scams on Google Chat
– Lotteries and trap prizes: Be wary if they send you a message saying that you have won a prize and to claim it you must pay a certain amount, share private information, such as your credit or debit card details, or click on an unknown link.
In this sense, do not have conversations with people who claim that you have won a giveaway in which you have never participated. Keep in mind that no legitimate company, service or organizer will contact you through Google Chat and, above all, they will never ask you for private information (whether personal or banking).
– Fake jobs: Generally, to obtain the job they ask you to pay a sum of money for the hiring. Again, keep in mind that a company will never hire staff through Google Chat.
If you have any questions, check the company's official website or contact them through their customer service to get more information about the job promised by Google Chat.
– Phishing and malware: Any excuse is good to request that you click on a link and provide personal information. Some phishing attacks circulating on Google Chat pose as government representatives who want to offer you a refund of the taxes you have paid, people who invite you to make an investment with cryptocurrencies… Be wary of any unknown links, requests for information or apps, photos, videos or ZIP files that are sent to you via chat, as they could be a hoax, contain malware…
– Identity theft of your contacts: The criminal can imitate the email and behavior of a friend, family member or work colleague in order to obtain your banking information or ask you for money with the excuse that an unforeseen event has arisen at the last minute.
You can detect this type of deception because the thief gets straight to the point. After a short greeting, he will tell you to send him money or give him your card information because he has suffered an accident. Check the profile of the supposed acquaintance, if he is a scammer, his contact details will be incomplete and his recent interactions will be empty.
– Fake technical support: If they pose as the technical support of Google, Microsoft or any other corporation and tell you that your account needs immediate attention because it has a problem, be suspicious. Especially if to solve the supposed problem, they ask you for your login information, enter a link or call a phone number.
– Love, prostitution and pornography scams: There is one rule that should never be broken on the Internet: do not accept sexual offers from strangers online because they will be an imposter trying to commit fraud or steal your identity.
If it is an individual who is flirting with you to build a long-term relationship, once there is a little trust, he will ask you to send money for any urgent reason. Don't fall for these simple mind games to keep yourself safe. Remember that a true love interest will not materialize thanks to money sent through an app.
