Gmail warns users to secure accounts after 'malicious' AI hack confirmed
Share and Follow

Sophisticated scams fueled by artificial intelligence are threatening the security of billions of Gmail users. security warning issued

The article from Forbes issues a warning about the increasing sophistication of AI technology in phone calls, which can now sound remarkably human. This advancement opens the door for potential cyber threats as malicious individuals may use AI to deceive the email service’s extensive user base of 2.5 billion into revealing their login credentials.

The outlet reported that the cybercriminals deploy phone calls posing as Google support — complete with a caller ID that looks convincingly legitimate. The technician might say the person’s account has been compromised in some way, or that they are attempting an account recovery.


Hand holding a mobile phone displaying the Google logo with the Gmail logo in the background, taken in Ankara, Turkiye
“She sounded like a real engineer, the connection was super clear, and she had an American accent,” Latta told Forbes. Anadolu via Getty Images

The so-called support agent will then send an email to the user’s Gmail account from what appears to be a legitimate Google email address to confirm the account was compromised and receive a code to recover the account.

For Zach Latta, the founder of the Hack Club, this is where he stopped the elaborate scam.

“She sounded like a real engineer, the connection was super clear, and she had an American accent,” Latta told Forbes.

Despite how real the voice on the other end of the line sounds, however, it is a scheme to trick customers into handing over precious login information to gain access to their accounts.

Garry Tan, the founder of venture capital firm Y Combinator, issued a “public service announcement” on X after receiving convincing phishing emails and phone calls.

“They claim to be checking that you are alive and that they should disregard a death certificate filed that claims a family member is recovering your account,” he wrote. “It’s a pretty elaborate ploy to get you to allow password recovery.”


Male hand holding a smartphone displaying Google GMail app interface in an office environment
“It’s a pretty elaborate ploy to get you to allow password recovery,” said Tan. Diego – stock.adobe.com

Simiarly, Sam Mitrovic, a Microsoft solutions consultant, experienced the same phenomenon months ago, according to a blog post written at the time.

He recalled receiving a Google account recovery attempt notification, followed less than an hour later by a phone call that looked like it was from the tech company, but he ignored it. A week later, it happened again. This time, he picked up.

“It’s an American voice, very polite and professional. The number is Australian,” he recounted, adding that he verified the phone number on an official Google support page.

“He introduces himself and says that there is suspicious activity on my account. He asks if I’m traveling, when I said no, he asks if I logged in from Germany to which I reply no.”

Then, the agent informs Mitrovic that “someone has had access to my account for a week” and was offering to help him secure it, but, luckily, he noticed that the follow-up email sent by the caller was a spoofed email address and stopped answering.

“The caller said ‘Hello,’ I ignored it then about 10 seconds later, then said ‘Hello’ again,” he described. “At this point I released it as an AI voice as the pronunciation and spacing were too perfect.”

Upon double-checking his log-in sessions in his Google account settings, he saw that the only log-ins were his own.

“Despite many red flags upon closer inspection, this call seemed legitimate enough to trick many people,” he warned.

“The scams are getting increasingly sophisticated, more convincing and are deployed at ever larger scale.”

To protect yourself and your accounts from malicious actors, Forbes advised turning on “Advanced Protection,” which, according to a Google spokesperson, “takes extra steps to verify your identity” with the use of passkeys and smart keys to keep your account secure, even if hackers have your credentials.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Boss under fire after texts to pregnant employee revealed

Manager facing backlash for inappropriate messages to pregnant staff member

An awkward text exchange between a pregnant employee and her boss over…
California fireworks warehouse catches fire and explodes

Human remains discovered at location of explosion at California fireworks warehouse

Human remains have been found at the site of a massive fireworks…
Natasha Cloud's WNBA All-Star Game case isn't straightforward

Natasha Cloud’s situation for the WNBA All-Star Game is not simple

The Liberty will be well represented at All-Star weekend in Indianapolis later…
Space capsule carrying ashes of 166 people meets bizarre end

Strange Conclusion for Space Capsule Holding Ashes of 166 Individuals

A space capsule carrying the ashes of 166 people met an anticlimactic…
Violent criminal gangs have 'near-total control' of nation's capital, UN says

Violent criminal gangs have ‘near-total control’ of nation’s capital, UN says

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Haiti’s criminal gangs have…
Trump signs sweeping domestic policy bill at White House ceremony

“President Trump Signs Comprehensive Domestic Policy Legislation in White House Ceremony”

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Independence Day 2025: Chicago-area suburbs celebrate 4th of July with events, including Aurora, Bartlett, Highland Park | LIVE

“2025 Independence Day Celebrations in Chicago Suburbs: Aurora, Bartlett, Highland Park Events | LIVE Coverage”

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) — The red, white, blue was on full display…
Glenn Howerton nearly quit 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'

“Glenn Howerton Contemplated Leaving ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia'”

It was the implication.  Glenn Howerton, known for his role as Dennis…