Google Subpoena Scam: How to Spot & Avoid This Phishing Attack

Google Subpoena Scam: A Deceptive Phishing Attack

The Google subpoena scam is a sophisticated phishing attack leveraging the trust associated with Google to trick users into revealing sensitive information. Fraudsters impersonate Google, creating a false sense of urgency and fear to manipulate victims.

Understanding the Scam

Victims receive emails seemingly from [email protected], falsely claiming a subpoena requires Google to release their account data (emails, documents, search history). The email urges immediate action via a link to fraudulent websites, often hosted on Google Sites, designed to mimic genuine Google support pages. This added layer of legitimacy makes the scam incredibly convincing.

Attackers expertly spoof Google's email addresses and content, bypassing security checks like DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). This allows the scam email to appear legitimate, leading to impulsive actions by unsuspecting users – potentially revealing sensitive data or installing malware.

How the Scam Works: A Technical Breakdown

Attackers exploit legitimate Google services and DKIM replay attacks to bypass spam filters. They leverage OAuth applications and DKIM workarounds to create emails that deceive even cautious users.

1. Attacker intercepts a legitimate Google email: A valid DKIM-signed Google email is obtained.
2. Replay Preparation: The email is saved, preserving the DKIM signature.
3. Spoofed Email Sent: The saved email is sent from a different account, appearing to originate from Google.
4. Relaying through Servers: The email passes through multiple servers, adding more DKIM signatures, but the original Google signature remains valid.
5. Delivery: The email reaches the victim, passing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC checks, seeming authentic.

This results in the victim believing the email is legitimate, potentially leading to clicking malicious links or providing sensitive data.

Key Signs of a Google Subpoena Scam

• Spoofed Sender Addresses: Carefully examine the sender's email address. Slight variations (e.g., "goog1e.com" instead of "google.com") indicate a spoof.
• Urgent Language & Threats: Scammers use urgency and threats of legal action to pressure victims.
• Requests for Sensitive Information: Google never requests passwords, 2FA codes, or financial details via email.
• Poor Grammar/Formatting: Inconsistent wording or formatting errors are red flags.
• Suspicious Links: Hover over links to preview the URL before clicking.
• Lack of Proper Legal Process: Real subpoenas aren't delivered via emails demanding immediate action or personal information.

Protecting Yourself

If you receive a suspicious Google subpoena email:

• Do not click links or attachments.
• Verify directly with Google: Check your Google account dashboard for any notifications.
• Report the scam: Report to the appropriate authorities (FTC in the US, Action Fraud in the UK, etc.).
• Update security settings: Change your Google password and enable 2FA or passkeys.
• Contact your bank immediately: If you shared financial details.

How Google Handles Legal Requests

Google carefully reviews legal requests for user data, ensuring validity and legality. If allowed, they will notify you via your Google Account dashboard or an official Google email from a verified address, not a random email demanding your password.

Preventing Future Scams

• Stay skeptical of unexpected emails.
• Inspect sender addresses and links carefully.
• Enable 2FA for enhanced security.
• Use advanced spam filters.
• Regularly review account security settings.
• Stay informed about the latest threats.

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