cyber security

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Kanpur Loses ₹55 Lakh in Cyber Fraud Due to Misspelled Email Address

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Kanpur lost ₹55 lakh in a cyber fraud after scammers used a fake email address with a missing letter to alter bank details and divert funds. The incident is under police investigation. The most recent victim of cyber fraud was Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Kanpur, which lost Rs 55 lakh to cyber criminals after failing to recognize the missing letter “e” in one of the email addresses. The scammers altered bank account information and redirected the payment to their account while using an email address that was almost the same as that of an authentic American supplier. Vulnerabilities in high-stakes international transactions have been revealed by cyber fraud, which is currently being investigated by police. What happened? The public-sector aerospace and defence firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited regularly purchases fighter aircraft parts from international vendors. The company was negotiating aircraft parts with PS Engineering Inc., a US-based corporation, in 2024. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited asked for a quote for three particular parts on May 3. The officialemail ID, gledbetter@ps-engineering.com. was used for all correspondence. However, unidentified cybercriminals who had probably been keeping an eye on the email exchange made the false email address jlane@ps-enginering.com, which just has the letter “e” missing from engineering. By using fake bank account information, the scammers pretended to be the vendor and persuaded Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to send the money. Before anyone realized what was going on, $63,405 (around Rs 55 lakh) was transferred into the incorrect account. When PS Engineering Inc. notified Hindustan Aeronautics Limited that they had not been paid, the fraud was discovered. When concerned HAL officials looked over their transaction history, they found the phoney email address. An official investigation was initiated after Ashok Kumar Singh, Additional General Manager of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Kanpur, filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Cyber Police Station in response to the disclosure. In order to carry out the scam, investigating police believe the cybercriminals may have compromised the email systems of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited or intercepted communications. To determine the source of the phoney account and find the culprits, the police have enlisted the help of cybersecurity specialists from IIT Kanpur.

Digital arrest scam, a woman from Mumbai lost Rs 20 crore to scammers

Digital arrest scam : Two men posing as police officers duped an 86-year-old Mumbai woman of Rs 20.25 crore in a money laundering scam. The accused, who is part of an international fraud network, has been arrested. The 86-year-old woman in South Mumbai was virtually accosted by two men in December 2024 who pretended to be police officers. To resolve the matter, they forced her to transfer funds to several bank accounts and threatened her, saying that her Aadhar card had been used fraudulently in a money laundering case. Between December 26, 2024, and March 3, 2025, the suspected Rs 20.25 crore scam took place, according to the police. digital arrest scam the callers said that an Indian bank had opened an account in her name using her Aadhar card and other personal data. They informed her that this account had been used in a massive money laundering scheme and that police action was on the horizon. The accused intimidated her by threatening to report her and her family, including her daughter, to the police. They tricked her into sending money to their accounts by feigning a “digital arrest scam.” Shayan Jamil Sheikh (20) and Rajik Azam Butt, who reside in Malad (West) and Mira Road (East), respectively, have been identified as the accused. Both of the accused have been arrested by the police. A larger conspiracy The report stated that Butt is suspected of being involved in a larger international scheme, citing police sources. On the Telegram messaging service, he formed a group with thirteen foreigners, according to the police. He allegedly exchanged Indian bank account details with this group to assist in committing fraud. The authorities found Butt’s affiliation with a worldwide fraud network after searching Shayan and Rajik’s cell phones after they were arrested. He set up the Telegram channel, investigators discovered, to provide scammers in other nations with information about Indian bank accounts. Both accused, according to officials for digital arrest scam , were personally involved in the planning and execution of the crime and were members of a global fraud gang. Now, they’re looking into how many more bank accounts have been provided to the foreign masterminds.

During the rise of DeepSeek, Elon Musk lost $90 billion; see what Bezos and Zuckerberg lost instead.

Tech billionaires lost $94 billion as a result of the Chinese AI business DeepSeek. Larry Ellison, the billionaire and chief technology officer of Oracle, lost almost $9 billion. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, is among the IT giants who have lost billions of dollars as a result of China’s DeepSeek’s breakthrough achievement this year. Fortune reports that the world’s richest person lost $90 billion. According to reports, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg lost $20 billion and $11 billion, respectively. Nvidia was the most severely impacted by the billion-dollar AI startup’s ascent to prominence, which led to a sell-off in the AI chip manufacturer and a $600 billion decline in its market value—one of the worst decrease in US stock prices in the history of the market, according to Bloomberg. Moreover, at the beginning of February, Bloomberg assessed Musk’s net worth to be around $433 billion, but on February 28, it decreased to $349 billion. Within the same period, Zuckerberg’s net worth plummeted from $243 billion to $232 billion. Larry Ellison, the billionaire and chief technology officer of Oracle, lost almost $9 billion. According to Fortune, DeepSeek collectively wiped off $94 billion from tech billionaires’ wallets. Despite the sharp decline in his and his company’s wealth brought on by DeepSeek, Huang lauded the Chinese firm on Nvidia’s most recent earnings call, claiming it had “ignited global enthusiasm.” “It’s a great invention, but more significantly, it has made a top-notch AI reasoning model publicly available,” he stated. For a tenth of the price, DeepSeek had unveiled a sizable language model that could compete with those of competitors like OpenAI. According to CNBC, Nvidia’s biggest clients, Meta, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, appear unfazed and plan to spend over $320 billion on AI and data centre expansion.

This state in India has saved $31.2 million from cyber criminals

According to Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur, the police also tied up with major banks, which led to 15 nodal officers from 10 major banks joining forces with the police on a common platform to combat cybercrime Police in Haryana claimed on 9 Jan 2025 that the north Indian state is the first in the country in terms of the number of cybercrime tackled or prevented in 2024. It has saved about $31.2 million from cybercrime up from $8.9 mn in 2023. This amount is five times more than what was saved in 2022. Haryana’s police also successfully recovered and refunded fraudulently siphoned money to victims. In 2023, they were given back $3.8 million, which increased by November 2024 to $11 million. Smart strategies: Stronger alliance with banks The success, said the police, came as a result of learning and understanding the methods of cyber criminals and working closely with the banks. The Indian state has also increased the number of police personnel on its cyber helpline 1930 (which is a toll-free helpline number in India for reporting cyber crimes) from a workforce of 12 to 70. According to Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur, the police also tied up with major banks, which led to 15 nodal officers from 10 major banks joining forces with the police on a common platform to combat cybercrime. Cyber police have been running after the Lok Adalats to return money to the victims without going through a long judicial process. Increase in cases and arrests According to Kapur, the Haryana Police made several strides in eliminating cybercrime. In 2024, the police registered 5,511 cases of cyber fraud, more than double the 2,747 cases registered in 2023 and up from 2,165 cases in 2022. Arrests also surged, with the police arresting 5,156 cybercriminals in 2024 compared to 1,909 in 2023 and 1,078 in 2022. A notable 70 percent (3,555) of those arrested were from other states, and the police averaged 14 arrests per day. Kapur praised the efforts of the entire cyber team for their dedication and hard work in tackling the crime saying, “The work done by our cyber cell has brought us to the top in terms of blocking cyber fraud and recovering stolen funds.” Improved cyber fraud prevention Haryana Police’s efforts have also enhanced the rate at which fraudulent amounts are blocked. The rate of blocked amounts in cyber fraud cases rose from 7 percent in September 2023 to 36 percent in December 2024, making it the highest in the country. Following this, if a victim files a complaint within six hours after the fraud, then 70 percent of lost money is blocked. This is also the highest percentage within the country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah honored the Haryana police for their success in reducing cybercrime in 2024. He lauded the police’s work in running the cyber helpline DGP Kapur revealed that the police managed to close 2,83,589 bank accounts and 1,24,565 mobile numbers involved in cyber fraud.

The WhatsApp Wedding Invitation Scam: How to Protect Yourself from Digital Fraud

Sending wedding invitations is easier than ever. Digital Fraud invitations can easily replace traditional paper cards. However, this shift has opened doors for a dangerous trend: the WhatsApp wedding scam. Fraudsters are now using fake wedding invitations to target unsuspecting individuals, and you could be their next victim. In this article, you can get more information about fake wedding invitation scams. How the Fake Wedding Invitation Scam Works Imagine receiving a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. The sender claims to be inviting you to a wedding. The message feels genuine, with friendly language and attachments labeled as wedding cards. Without much thought, you tap on the file to see the invite. However, these attachments are not actual invitations but malicious APK files. Typically, APK or Android Package Kit files are used to install apps on Android devices. If these APK files are corrupted and you download and open them, you may unknowingly grant the scammers access to your device. The digital wedding Digital Fraud feels personal and believable. Weddings are joyous occasions, and most people wouldn’t suspect foul play. Scammers exploit this trust to trick you into downloading malware. How a Fake Wedding Invitation Scam Can Lead to Financial Losses If you fall victim to this digital wedding scam, you could face financial losses in the following ways: Compromised Sensitive Banking Data: Through malware, cybercriminals can extract banking information you may have saved on your phone. This could include account numbers, card details, passwords to various financial accounts, payment details saved on browsers, and auto-fill credentials. OTP Theft: Scammers can use malware to intercept messages containing OTPs. This way, they can authorize unauthorized payments or money transfers. They can also gain access to your banking and payment apps. Exploiting Payment Apps: Malware can allow scammers to access banking and payment apps. They can use the information stored in the app to steal money from your accounts. Saved card details could be used to make fraudulent transactions. Unauthorized Subscription to Paid Services: Cybercriminals may use your compromised data to subscribe to premium services, apps, or websites. These services might charge recurring fees directly to your Credit or Debit Card. Hence, you ought to check your transaction history regularly to prevent scammers from draining your funds. Account Takeover: By hijacking your financial accounts, Digital Fraud can lock you out of your accounts and steal your money. They may also use your account to conduct fraudulent activities. Therefore, you must report this immediately and protect yourself from liabilities. Identity Theft: This digital wedding Digital Fraud can also put your personal identification details at risk. Scammers can access these details saved on your phone and use them to open new accounts, apply for Credit Cards or loans, or impersonate you to commit Digital Fraud. Phishing: Malware can enable scammers to monitor your activities and create opportunities for phishing. This may include sending targeted phishing emails or messages to trick you into sharing more private information. Extortion: Fraudsters can use your data to blackmail you. They can demand ransom in exchange for not leaking sensitive photos and videos. This can lead to not only monetary losses but also emotional distress. How to Spot and Avoid the WhatsApp Wedding Scam By staying cautious, you can avoid falling victim to this fake wedding invitation scam. Here are some simple steps: Be Wary of Unknown Numbers: Be suspicious if you receive a message from a number you don’t recognize. Digital Fraud often target random users, hoping someone will take the bait. Verify the Sender: Before downloading any file, confirm its authenticity. If it’s a wedding invitation, ask the sender directly—preferably through a call or message on another platform. Avoid Downloading APK Files: Typically, you’d receive wedding invitations in the form of images, video files, or URLs as they are convenient. Legitimate wedding invitations don’t require you to download separate apps. Use Antivirus Software: You can keep your phone secure with antivirus apps for Digital Fraud. These can detect and block malware before it causes harm with Digital Fraud. Enable Security Features: Review your phone’s permissions from time to time. Make sure your apps can’t access sensitive data without your explicit consent with Digital Fraud. How Do You Know Your Phone Has Malware? Your phone may be infected with malware if you notice the following: You notice an increased number of pop-ups and inappropriate ads. You see apps you haven’t downloaded or don’t recognize. You may not be able to uninstall unrecognized apps. You notice your phone slows down or crashes often. Your contacts may receive messages that you did not send. You may see unauthorized transactions in your account due to scammers using bank details saved on your phone to subscribe to paid services. What to Do If You’re a Victim Taking prompt action can minimize the damage against this fraud on WhatsApp: Disconnect Your Phone: You must immediately switch off Wi-Fi and mobile data to limit the hacker’s access. Change Your Passwords: Update all important accounts, especially banking, email, and social media, to prevent further misuse. Alert Your Contacts: If scammers are using your WhatsApp account to send fraudulent messages, inform your contacts not to engage. Report the Incident: Don’t let cybercriminals get away. Report the scam to authorities by dialing 1930, the National Cyber Crime portal helpline in India. You can also visit https://cybercrime.gov.in to complain. Protecting Yourself in a Digital World and Stay Vigilant As the use of Digital Fraud platforms grows, scams like the WhatsApp wedding scam will only become more sophisticated. Staying informed is your best definition. *Disclaimer: Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your circumstances.

TGCSB organizes Cyber Awareness Day to tackle digital frauds

Telangana Cyber Security Bureau Launches ‘Cyber Jaagrookta Diwas’ to Combat digital arrest Scams The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) started the New Year with a special initiative called ‘Cyber Jaagrookta Diwas’. On 08/01/2025, the bureau held 394 meetings and 23 awareness rallies across the state. These events aimed to educate people about the risks of digital arrest scams, reaching 35,700 participants from all walks of life. The campaign focuses on teaching citizens about emerging cyber threats and promoting public safety online. It emphasizes the importance of practicing good cyber hygiene, being cautious while using the internet, and understanding the dangers of sharing personal or financial details with strangers. Throughout January, TGCSB will continue its mission to spread awareness about digital arrest scams. This will include organizing workshops, community outreach programs, and additional rallies to educate more people. These scams involve fraudsters pretending to be law enforcement officials. They claim that the victim is under investigation or has an outstanding arrest warrant and demand payments through RTGS or NEFT to avoid immediate arrest. Scammers often use fake documents, spoofed caller IDs, or video calls to make their claims appear legitimate. The bureau has issued a reminder to the public: no police officer or law enforcement agency will conduct investigations over phone or video calls, or demand money transfers for any reason. Genuine officers do not ask for payments to cancel warrants or settle cases. In its advisory, TGCSB urged citizens to stay alert and avoid falling prey to such digital arrest scams. “Be skeptical of any calls, messages, or emails claiming to be from law enforcement or government agencies that request immediate payment or sensitive information,” the bureau advised. By staying informed and cautious, people can protect themselves from these fraudulent schemes.

Cyber-crime police station issues advisory over fraudulent websites offering online booking during MahaKumbh

The Mahakumbh is set to be held in Prayagraj starting January 13 and will continue till February 26. Lakhs of devotees from across the country and even abroad are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela. THE CYBER CRIME police station in Pimpri Chinchwad has issued an advisory, cautioning residents about fraudulent websites swindling people on the pretext of online booking for stay and passes or seeking donations for events. The Mahakumbh is set to be held in Prayagraj starting January 13 and will continue till February 26. Lakhs of devotees from across the country and even abroad are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela. An advisory issued by the Pimpri Chinchwad police on 09/01/2025 night read, “A large number of fake websites, links, and other platforms have been created on the internet and social media to exploit the faith of the devotees who wish to visit the Mahakumbh. This has come to the attention of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs. On this background, Pimpri Chinchwad police are issuing an advisory cautioning people to beware of these scams.” The advisory further reads, “The victim can be potentially cheated in different ways. Fraudulent websites, links, and other platforms can cheat people on the pretext of collecting donations from devotees. Devotees can also be cheated on the pretext of bookings for hotels, tents, and other types of accommodations at the event.” Some of these platforms can ask devotees to download malicious files and gain access to the users’ devices, officials said. The advisory further reads, “Devotees should not click on any questionable websites or links. All the official information about the Mahakumbh can be obtained from kumbh.gov.in which is the official website of the event. Do not share sensitive financial information, or passwords with the callers or platforms. Approach the cybercrime helpline or nearest police station in case of suspicion of cheating.” Officials said that cyber dost, which is the official platform of the I4C, has shared names of authorized locations for stays, hotels, and guest houses for Kumbh. When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) for Pimpri Chinchwad Sandeep Doiphode said, “We have not yet reported any cases of cheating related to Mahakumbh. However, based on observation from Central entities, we have issued the advisory cautioning people as a large number of devotees from here may visit the event.”

Cyber Fraud Victim Wins: Supreme Court Directs SBI to Repay Stolen Funds

The Supreme Court has upheld justice for a cyber fraud victim, directing the State Bank of India (SBI) to refund Rs 94,000 stolen during an online scam. The judgment highlights the bank’s accountability and failure to act promptly despite receiving timely fraud reports. In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to refund Rs 94,000 to a victim of cyber fraud from Assam. The case has brought into sharp focus the responsibilities of financial institutions in safeguarding their customers’ funds against fraudulent activities. The Incident The cyber fraud occurred when the victim attempted to return a Louis Philippe blazer worth Rs 4,000. Posing as a customer service representative, the fraudster tricked the victim into installing a malicious app, leading to the theft of Rs 94,204 from his SBI savings account. The stolen money was transferred across multiple bank accounts via UPI transactions. The root of the issue lay in a 2021 data breach on Louis Philippe’s website, which compromised sensitive customer details, including the victim’s contact information. Exploiting this data, the fraudster carried out the scam, leaving the victim with a blazer he no longer wanted and an empty bank account. Legal Battle After discovering the fraudulent transactions, the victim immediately contacted State Bank of India to block his account and card. He also filed complaints with the Assam Police, the RBI Banking Ombudsman, and the Ministry of Home Affairs through its National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. However, he faced resistance from State Bank of India , which refused to take responsibility, citing the use of Google Pay—a third-party app not recommended by the bank. Unyielding, the victim pursued legal remedies through the Gauhati High Court, which found State Bank of India at fault for not taking timely action despite being informed within hours of the scam. The High Court ordered the bank to refund the full amount. Supreme Court Verdict SBI escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court’s decision. However, the apex court upheld the previous judgment, emphasizing that the bank, equipped with advanced technology, failed to act promptly to prevent the fraud. The Supreme Court ordered State Bank of India to refund the stolen amount and recover it from the fraudster, who had been apprehended by the Assam Police. The court also highlighted the importance of vigilance by both banks and customers. While banks must utilize their technological resources to detect and prevent cyber fraud, customers are advised to exercise caution when sharing sensitive information or using third-party payment apps. Key Observations SBI was informed of the fraud within hours but failed to take corrective action, such as lodging a chargeback request or initiating investigations. The bank’s argument, citing Google Pay’s third-party status, was rejected by the court, which held SBI accountable for protecting its customers’ interests. The judgment serves as a precedent, reinforcing the accountability of banks in cyber fraud cases and emphasizing timely action to mitigate losses. Conclusion This case underscores the increasing prevalence of cyber fraud and the need for both banks and customers to remain vigilant. The Supreme Court’s ruling has not only delivered justice to the victim but also set a benchmark for addressing cybercrime-related financial disputes, ensuring that victims are not left to bear the brunt of such crimes.

Mahakumbh 2025: Cyber fraudsters dupe elderly man of Rs 1 lakh while booking tickets

MahaKumbh 2025: With over 40 crore pilgrims expected to arrive in Prayagraj, the authorities have extensive preparations for the mega-religious event. The MahaKumbh will be held here in Prayagraj between January 13 and February 26. The Mumbai police have registered a case against an unidentified person for allegedly duping a senior citizen to the tune of Rs 1 lakh on the pretext of booking a flight ticket to Prayagraj for the upcoming Maha Kumbha Mela, an official said on 07-01-2025. If you plan to visit the holy city Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela, you must stay alert for online fraudsters. An eye-opener case registered in Mumbai in which a cybercriminal targeted an elderly man. According to the Mumbai police, a case has been registered against an unidentified person for allegedly duping a senior citizen to the tune of Rs 1 lakh on the pretext of booking a flight ticket to Prayagraj for the MahaKumbh Mela. “The senior citizen, a businessman from Andheri, wished to attend the MahaKumbh in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. While searching for booking options online, he came across a website. He called the number mentioned there and told the person about his travel requirements,” a Versova police station official said. The fraudsters asked him to pay Rs 14,000 for the accommodation arrangements for three people. Believing the offer, the victim transferred the amount. Soon afterward, the scammers asked if the complainant wanted flight tickets from Mumbai to Prayagraj and back, he said. They quoted an additional Rs 87,000 for flight bookings. Trusting them again, the victim’s son transferred the money online. However, they did not give the flight tickets to the victims, he said. Realizing that they had been duped, the complainant approached the police and filed a complaint. The police have registered a case against unidentified persons and are investigating the matter, an official added. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will begin on January 13 and is set to conclude on February 26.

Gmail’s Holiday Scam Defense: How AI is Keeping Your Inbox Safe

As the holiday season kicks into full gear, so does a rising wave of email scams. Scammers seize this time of year, using deceptive tactics to trick people into giving away sensitive information or money. Whether it’s fake invoices, celebrity endorsements, or malicious threats, these fraudulent emails are everywhere. If you’re a Gmail user, you’re in luck. Google has ramped up its defenses, fighting back with new, innovative AI technology designed to protect billions of inboxes—especially during this high-risk season. Here’s a look at how email scams is stepping up its game to combat these scams and what you can do to stay safe in your inbox. Scammers Go into Overdrive This Holiday Season Every year, as the holiday season approaches, email scammers go into overdrive. With billions of emails exchanged daily, especially during sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the sheer volume of email traffic presents a perfect storm for scammers to launch their attacks. Since mid-November, we’ve seen a massive uptick in suspicious email activity, making it even harder to spot malicious messages. It’s no surprise that scammers are targeting holiday shoppers—whether it’s an urgent invoice, an enticing offer from a “celebrity,” or a threatening message to extort money. The holidays make people feel hurried and vulnerable, making them easy prey for these deceitful tactics. Email Scams Security Features: Keeping You Safe from Scams As the world’s largest email provider with over 2.5 billion users, Gmail recognizes the responsibility it has in keeping users safe. Over the years, Gmail has invested heavily in security measures to combat spam, phishing, and malware, blocking over 99.9% of these threats before they even reach your inbox. These efforts are especially crucial during the holidays, as the volume of attacks increases. email scams has seen a 35% decrease in the number of scams reaching users’ inboxes this holiday season compared to last year. This improvement is largely thanks to new AI-powered features rolled out over the past year, which have made Gmail’s defenses stronger than ever. How AI is Transforming Gmail’s Defense Against Scams AI is at the heart of email scams defense against scams, leveraging advanced models to protect users from a wide variety of threats. One such model is a large language model (LLM) that’s been trained to recognize the subtle patterns of phishing, malware, and spam. This AI has made a huge difference, blocking 20% more spam than ever before and reviewing 1,000 times more user-reported spam each day. This means fewer unwanted and potentially dangerous emails slip through the cracks. Additionally, a newly introduced AI model acts like a “supervisor” to help filter out risky messages. By instantly evaluating hundreds of threat signals when a suspicious message is flagged, it deploys protections in the blink of an eye, ensuring quicker and more effective detection of potential scams. Top Scams to Watch Out for This Holiday Season While Gmail’s defenses are stronger than ever, users need to stay vigilant. Scammers are always adapting and trying new tactics. Here are the top three email scams that are making waves this holiday season: Invoice ScamsScammers send fake invoices claiming that you owe money for a product or service. These emails often ask for urgent action, and scammers may even go as far as to convince victims to call and dispute the charges, using that connection to further trick them into making payments. Celebrity ScamsMany scams this year feature celebrity names—whether pretending the email is from the celebrity themselves or claiming they endorse a product or service. The goal is to exploit the trust people have in famous personalities to convince them to act on fraudulent offers. Extortion ScamsThese vicious scams involve threats, such as emails with personal information (like your home address or even a picture of your house). Some of these emails include threats of harm or blackmail, demanding money in exchange for keeping supposedly acquired personal material secret. 4 Simple Tips to Stay Safe This Holiday Season While Gmail’s defenses are incredibly effective, scammers are always evolving. It’s just as important for you to be cautious when handling emails. Here are four simple tips to stay safe: Slow it DownScams often create a sense of urgency with phrases like “immediate action required” or “deactivate now.” Take a deep breath and think through the message before you act. Spot CheckDouble-check the details. Does the email make sense? Validate the sender’s email address to ensure it’s legitimate. Scammers often use addresses that seem close to real ones but have small discrepancies. Stop! Don’t SendLegitimate companies or people will never demand immediate payment or personal information through email. If you’re unsure, don’t respond—just delete the message. Report Suspicious EmailsIf you spot a suspicious email, report it as spam or phishing in Gmail. Doing so not only helps protect you, but it also helps Gmail improve its security defenses for all users. Conclusion: Stay Safe and Secure with Gmail The holiday season may bring festive cheer, but it also brings an uptick in malicious email activity. Gmail’s new AI technology is designed to fight back against these threats, blocking millions of harmful emails before they reach your inbox. However, staying vigilant and following basic email security tips can further ensure that you don’t fall victim to scams. By working together—whether it’s email scams powerful defenses or your awareness—you can keep your inbox secure this holiday season and beyond. Stay safe, stay informed, and report any suspicious emails to help keep the digital world safer for everyone.