Learn how cybercriminals are using a new phishing scam disguised as a Google AppSheet trademark violation notice.
In this week’s scam, you receive an email from Google AppSheet, a service used to build web and mobile applications. The email is from a legitimate AppSheet email address with an alarming subject line about a trademark violation notice. The email contains a link that directs you to a login page, where you are prompted to enter your username and password. The notice seems urgent, and you may be tempted to log in to resolve the issue.
However, this is actually a clever scam! Although the email is sent from a legitimate Google service, the message in the email is a phishing scam. Cybercriminals abuse the AppSheet platform to create and send these phony legal notices. Because the email comes from a trusted source, you might be less likely to realize that the email is malicious. However, if you select the link in the email and enter your username and password, cybercriminals can steal them immediately!
Tips to Stay Safe
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this phishing scam:
- Scammers often create a sense of panic to make you act without thinking. You should be suspicious of subject lines and messages that use threats or urgent demands.
- Always check links before you select them. Hover your mouse over any link to view the real web address.
- If you receive an unexpected or alarming email notice, don’t select the links in the email. Instead, visit the organization’s official website and use their contact information to reach out to them directly if you have concerns.
Stop. Look. Think. And don’t be fooled.
Tips of the Week Brought to You By Our Partners at KnowBe4
KnowBe4 is the world’s most popular integrated platform for awareness training combined with simulated phishing attacks. Let Keller Schroeder show you how KnowBe4 has helped thousands of organizations just like yours manage the continuing problem of social engineering. Contact us today to learn more.
