Gmail: Billions warned of YouTube email that steals crucial data, here's how to spot it

Given that Google has billions of users all over the world, they make it a point to update everyone regularly about the new scams, updates, and warnings to be weary of. In March, they alerted Gmail users of a storage issue that could result in deleted emails. They also warned Android users to check their WiFi over security flaws.

And now, Google is warning Gmail users of yet another scam - a sophisticated attempt to steal personal data via a dangerous YouTube link that comes from an email address identical to the one the video-sharing platform uses in communication with its subscribers.

Find out red flags to watch out for to keep your private information safe.

What is the fraudulent YouTube email about?

If you are a YouTube user and receive any communication from the popular video-sharing platform, be on high alert to make sure it is genuine.

Google is warning Gmail and other email owners of a new sophisticated phishing campaign that aims to steal personal data such as email addresses and passwords.

Multiple cases were reported where the criminals behind the scam used fake emails that looked incredibly real in attempts to trick people into clicking on dangerous links.

The content of the letter included threats that YouTube access would be blocked if users didn’t agree to new terms and conditions.

The fraudulent message reads:

This email has been sent to notify you of the new monetisation policy and the new rules. Please use the link to download the document. WARNING! You have 7 days to review and reply.

As the hoax email looks like it came from a sender called no-reply@youtube.com- an address actually used by the video-sharing platform - the communication appears authentic and makes it a lot more dangerous to fall for.

Read more: Google warns Gmail users about new cyberattack that can read their emails

Here's how to spot the YouTube scam

Bogus messages can usually be caught out by the address not matching the contents but sadly, that's not the case with this latest campaign.

To the untrained eye, it looks genuine. It's easy to see why some people are being duped.

YouTube has now issued an urgent warning on Twitter:

Heads up: we’re seeing reports of a phishing attempt showing no-reply@youtube.com as the sender be cautious & don’t download/access any file if you get this email.

An image of the fake message has also been posted to show just how real it looks.

YouTube recommends its users delete fraudulent emails without delay if they drop into your inbox over the next few days.

Other tips to spot the scam, as detailed on the YouTube Help's FAQ for suspicious emails, include analyzing the email address and the content of the letter.

The email address has to be the exact match to the one used by your trusted company. A difference in one letter or symbol can indicate fraud.

The body of the phishing email will often ask you to share account log-in information or click on an external link or open an attachment - something a company wouldn’t normally do.

Read more:

⋙ Google bans shopping app with over 900 million users over security issues, delete it immediately

⋙ Google issues warning over dangerous apps: 'Turn off' this setting in your account to stay safe

Sources used:

- Mirror: 'Urgent Gmail warning issued by Google as users tricked by dangerous YouTube link'