Four signs to look for, and how to report it in Gmail.
Phishing is an email, text or call that pretends to be from someone you trust, to get you to click a link, open an attachment, share a password or send money.
Signs to look for
- Pressure to act quickly, or a threat if you don't
- A request for passwords, payment, gift cards or bank details
- A sender address that doesn't match the name, or is slightly misspelled
- A link whose real address (shown when you hover) doesn't match where it claims to go
- An attachment you weren't expecting, even from someone you know
- A message that's out of character for the person sending it
- Perfect spelling doesn't mean it's safe: scammers now use AI to write convincing messages
If Gmail shows a warning banner
Gmail sometimes shows a banner above a message, such as “This message could be a scam.” Take it seriously, even if the sender is someone you know. Their account may have been taken over.
- Don't click links or reply.
- Use the banner's option to report it.
- Let the sender know by phone or text, not by email.
Report it on a computer
- Open the message.
- Select More (the three dots) next to Reply.
- Select Report phishing.
Report it on your phone
In the Gmail app on iPhone or Android:
- Open the message.
- Tap More (the three dots) at the top right.
- Tap Report spam. This moves it out of your inbox.
What not to do
- Don't forward it to colleagues.
- Don't reply to it.
- Don't click links “to check.”
Already clicked?
If you've clicked a link, opened an attachment or entered your password, call us on 707-755-8000 straight away, at any time. We'd much rather hear from you early. If you entered a password, we'll help you change it and check your account.
Not sure if it's real?
Don't use its links or phone numbers. Go to the website yourself, or call the person on a number you already have. Still not sure? Call us or raise a ticket at support@deepnet.com with the sender and subject line, and we'll let you know if it's safe.
