Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Your Account Has Been Locked Google Storage Scam
Your Account Has Been Locked Google Storage Scam

The "Your account has been locked/storage full" message is a widespread phishing scam designed to steal login credentials and financial information. These fake alerts, often appearing as emails or pop-ups, mimic Google branding to panic users into clicking malicious links. Do not click any links; delete the message and check your account status directly via official apps or websites.

Indicators of the Scam

  • Urgency: Warnings that your account will be deleted, blocked, or locked immediately.
  • Fake Links: Buttons that lead to non-Google websites designed to look like legitimate login pages.
  • Sender Address: The email address may look official (e.g., using "Google" in the name) but is actually spoofed or misspelled, say Facebook users, and this Gmail Community post.

Protect Yourself

  • Never Click Links: If you receive a storage warning, do not use the links provided.
  • Verify Independently: Open a new browser tab and navigate directly to drive.google.com or one.google.com to check your actual storage usage.
  • Report the Email: Use the "Report Phishing" option in Gmail.
  • Enable 2FA: Set up two-factor authentication to protect your account if your password was stolen.

If You Clicked a Link

  • Change Passwords: Immediately change your Google account password and any other accounts that use the same password.
  • Scan for Malware: Run a virus scan on your phone or computer.
  • Check Account Security: Review your recovery email and phone number in your Google account settings.
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