Gmail, Outlook: Billions urged to check inbox for these 'convincing' emails that are actually scams

Cybersecurity experts are warning that phishing emails and messaging scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated as AI is making them more convincing. Email platforms likeGmail and Outlook can investigate flagged spam emails but the advanced email scams are getting through the filters.

Security firms CSO and Bluevoyant both issued warnings about the rise in scams as reports found a 240% increase in email scams targeting users with AI phishing techniques.

AI phishing emails

Software architect Matthew Tyson warned that it’s difficult to spot the phishing emails by the usual telltale signs as AI makes them look more real and compelling, as per The Sun:

At present, the most important area of relevance around AI for cybersecurity is content generation.

This is where machine learning is making its greatest strides and it dovetails nicely for hackers with vectors such as phishing and malicious chatbots.

The capacity to craft compelling, well-formed text is in the hands of anyone with access to ChatGPT, and that’s basically anyone with an internet connection.

As the new generation of AI software creates content almost indistinguishable from that made by humans, users are being urged to be extra vigilant and assume the worst if they receive a message they are not sure about.

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SMS phishing scams

Reports also show an increase in SMS phishing scams, as fraudsters start to target vulnerable people via text message.

If you have been a victim of a scam then experts advise, as per Which?:

If you have fallen victim to a scam, contact your bank immediately to suspend your card and account.

Your bank or building society will then be able to provide specialist support from their scam unit.

To stay safe you can check follow these three tips, as per The Sun:

• Ask whether the email was expected and whether you're being asked for money or rushed to give away information.
• Never respond to suspicious emails and report them to your email provider if you're worried.
• Email platforms like Gmail and Outlook have the ability to investigate spam emails that you flag.

If you think it is a scam, you can forward the email as an attachment to Action Fraud who will investigate, or alternatively forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Read more:

⋙ Gmail: Billions warned of scam that steals payment details, look out for these crucial signs

Sources used:

- The Sun 'Billions of Gmail and Outlook users given ‘red alert’ over dangerous AI ‘hiding in your inbox’ – it’ll take everything'

- The Oxford Mail 'Gmail and Microsoft Outlook users issued red alert warning'

- Which? 'Report scams to warn others'