FBI warns Gmail, Outlook users of 'emergency email' scam involving authorities
Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2025 5:56 am
In a recent alert, the FBI has called attention to a dangerous new strain of “emergency email” scam that is threatening Gmail and Outlook users.
The scam, which involves the use of compromised government emails, could expose sensitive user data, enabling espionage and extortion through fake requests for emergency data.
Digital Security: Learn about the most common scams and how to avoid them
What is the 'Emergency Email' scam and how does it work?
In recent months, the FBI has identified hackers using compromised government emails to colombia phone number library send fake emergency requests claiming extreme urgency to obtain information without going through security checks. According to the FBI, these deceptive messages claim to be from law enforcement and sometimes include forged subpoena documents.
The criminals behind this scam purchase government email addresses and full credentials from underground dark web forums. This access allows them to make fraudulent requests that can trick organizations and businesses into handing over information, such as personal and financial data, without further verification.
Scammers Target: Who's at Risk?
The emergency email scam poses a serious threat to anyone with an email account, but companies that handle large amounts of data and sensitive information are especially targeted. The FBI noted that these compromised government accounts can be used for both espionage and data theft, as well as to facilitate ransomware attacks — a type of cyberattack where access to a victim’s data is blocked until a ransom is paid.
Businesses, large and small, as well as individual email users, should take precautions, especially on platforms like Gmail and Outlook, where these attacks have occurred.
The scam, which involves the use of compromised government emails, could expose sensitive user data, enabling espionage and extortion through fake requests for emergency data.
Digital Security: Learn about the most common scams and how to avoid them
What is the 'Emergency Email' scam and how does it work?
In recent months, the FBI has identified hackers using compromised government emails to colombia phone number library send fake emergency requests claiming extreme urgency to obtain information without going through security checks. According to the FBI, these deceptive messages claim to be from law enforcement and sometimes include forged subpoena documents.
The criminals behind this scam purchase government email addresses and full credentials from underground dark web forums. This access allows them to make fraudulent requests that can trick organizations and businesses into handing over information, such as personal and financial data, without further verification.
Scammers Target: Who's at Risk?
The emergency email scam poses a serious threat to anyone with an email account, but companies that handle large amounts of data and sensitive information are especially targeted. The FBI noted that these compromised government accounts can be used for both espionage and data theft, as well as to facilitate ransomware attacks — a type of cyberattack where access to a victim’s data is blocked until a ransom is paid.
Businesses, large and small, as well as individual email users, should take precautions, especially on platforms like Gmail and Outlook, where these attacks have occurred.