Google scams
Last updated September 18, 2026
The short answer
Google scams include fake security alert emails about unauthorized sign-ins, Google Voice verification code scams, and phishing messages pretending to be from Google support. Because your Google account connects Gmail, Drive, Photos, and payment methods, a compromised account exposes your entire digital life. Google will never call you about account problems or ask for your password by email.
Google accounts are among the most valuable targets for scammers because they serve as a gateway to Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, Google Pay, and often password recovery for dozens of other services. A single compromised Google account can give a scammer access to your entire digital life. Scammers use fake security alerts, Gmail phishing, and Google Voice scams to steal credentials.
How Google scams work
- 1
Fake Google security alert
You receive an email that looks like a Google security notification saying someone signed into your account from a new device or location. It asks you to "Review Activity" by clicking a link. The link leads to a fake Google login page.
- 2
Google Voice verification scam
Someone (often from Craigslist or a marketplace) asks you to "verify you're a real person" by sharing a Google Voice verification code. In reality, they're using the code to create a Google Voice number linked to your phone number, which they then use for scams.
- 3
Fake Google Ads or Search Console alert
An email says your Google Ads account or website has a problem that requires immediate action. The link goes to a fake Google login that captures your credentials.
- 4
Gmail forwarding or account takeover
Once the scammer has your Google password, they set up email forwarding to capture password reset emails from your other accounts. They can access your bank, social media, and other services by resetting passwords through your Gmail.
Warning signs
- An email about your Google account asks you to click a link to "verify" or "review" activity
- Someone on a marketplace asks you to share a Google verification code
- A caller claims to be from Google support about your account
- An email from "Google" doesn't come from a @google.com address
- You're told your Google account will be deleted unless you act within 24 hours
- A popup says "Google has detected a virus on your device"
Examples
Fake Google security alert email
An email says: "Someone signed into your Google Account from a new Windows device near Moscow, Russia. If this wasn't you, your account may be compromised." You click "Check Activity" and enter your Google credentials on a fake page. The scammer now has access to your Gmail, Drive, and every account that uses your Gmail for password recovery.
Google Voice verification code scam
A person responding to your Craigslist ad says: "Before I come see the item, can you verify you're real? I'll send a code to your phone, just read it back to me." The code is a Google Voice verification code. The scammer creates a Google Voice number linked to your phone and uses it for scams, making you look like the perpetrator.
What to do
- Check your Google account security directly at myaccount.google.com/security. Don't click email links.
- Never share Google verification codes with anyone, for any reason.
- If you entered your password on a suspicious site, change it immediately and enable 2-step verification.
- Review your Google account at myaccount.google.com for connected devices, third-party apps, and forwarding rules in Gmail.
- If someone created a Google Voice number with your phone, reclaim it at voice.google.com.
Report it to Google
Report the phishing site to Google Safe Browsing, then check what actually happened at myaccount.google.com/security.
Getting your money back
If your Google account was compromised, go to myaccount.google.com/security immediately. Change your password, enable 2-step verification (preferably with a security key), review connected devices and remove unfamiliar ones, check Gmail forwarding rules and filters for unauthorized changes, and review third-party app access. If you're locked out, use Google's account recovery at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google call people about account problems?
Google does not make unsolicited phone calls about account problems. If someone calls claiming to be from Google about your personal account, it's a scam. The only exception is Google Business Profile verification calls, which you initiate yourself. For account security issues, Google sends notifications within your account dashboard.
What should I do if someone used my phone number for Google Voice?
Go to voice.google.com and try to claim the number. If the scammer already linked it, you can reclaim your number by going through the Google Voice setup process with the same phone number. This will remove it from the scammer's account. Report any fraudulent use to the FTC.
How do I check if my Google account has been compromised?
Visit myaccount.google.com/security to review recent sign-in activity, connected devices, and apps with account access. In Gmail, check Settings > Forwarding for unauthorized forwarding rules. Enable Google's Security Checkup at myaccount.google.com/security-checkup for a guided review.
Other companies scammers impersonate
Scams reuse their scripts across brands. If you were contacted about Google, these are the guides worth reading next.