Google Chat scams: how to spot a fake message and block it
Quick answer
A stranger on Google Chat who moves you to another app, asks for money, or says they're from Google, a bank or a recruiter is likely a scammer. Block and report them, and never share verification codes or payment details in a chat.
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How it works
Scammers use any messaging tool that lets strangers reach you, and Google Chat is no exception. Google's own scam guidance lists the kinds of stories attached to its brand: prize and lottery messages, tech support scams, fake job and employment offers, impersonation of Google services, account recovery scams and gift card scams, plus extortion and sextortion.
Google's golden rules apply in a chat as much as anywhere: slow down because scams are built around urgency, spot-check the details, and don't send money or personal information on the spot because no reputable person or agency demands it.
Google Chat itself scans files for malware and warns you or blocks downloads when it finds some. It also lets you restrict messages from unknown senders on personal accounts.
Red flags
- A message from someone you don't know, soon moving to another app
- A claim to be from Google, a bank, a recruiter or a government agency
- A prize, lottery or job offer you didn't apply for
- A request for money, gift cards or account codes
- A file or link you didn't expect
- Urgency or threats to push you to act immediately
Example message
Hi, I'm a recruiter from a major company. You've been selected for a remote role paying $400 a day. Add me on [messaging app] to get started, and have your ID ready.
What to do
- 1
Don't reply or share anything
Don't send money, gift card codes, verification codes or ID. Google's guidance is that no reputable person or agency demands payment or personal information on the spot.
- 2
Block and report the sender
Use Blocking & reporting in the conversation menu in Google Chat or Gmail. If the message includes intimate images shared without consent, Google lets you report them from the same menu.
- 3
Limit who can message you
Google says that on personal accounts you can restrict messages from unknown senders in Chat settings.
- 4
If you paid or shared details
Contact your bank or card issuer, change passwords and turn on two-step verification. See what to do after a data breach for next steps.
- 5
Report it to the FTC
File a report so the pattern is on record, even if you only received the message.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers usually message people whose email address or phone number they already have, from people-search sites or old breaches. Serus finds the people-search and data broker listings that show your phone number and address and removes them, and alerts you when your details turn up in a breach, so fewer scammers can build a believable story about you.
Common Google scams
Frequently asked
Does Google Chat scan for scams?
Google says Chat scans files and messages to help protect you from spam, phishing and malware, and blocks files it identifies as malware.
Can I stop strangers messaging me on Chat?
Google says that for personal accounts you can restrict messages from unknown senders in Chat.
Is Google a scam if someone uses its name?
No. Google's own help page says scammers sometimes use its brand to defraud people and lists the common versions.
Where do I get Google's scam advice?
Google publishes an Avoid and report scams page with common scams and what to do if you've been scammed.
Sources
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