New phishing scam states that Google has awarded $2.5 million for using its services

• This scam email contains a subject line similar to ‘Powered by Google’ that states “You have been selected a winner for using Google services.”
• The claims form asks for users’ personal details such as names, addresses, phone numbers, age, email addresses, and occupation.

A new phishing scam that purports to come from Larry Page, CEO & Cofounder of Google, states that you have won $2.5 million for using its services.

How does the scam work?

This scam email contains a subject line similar to ‘Powered by Google’ that states “You have been selected a winner for using Google services.”

• The email also includes an attachment named ‘Official Winning Letter by Google and mastercard visa 2019.pdf’.
• Upon opening the attachment, it says that you won a Google Visa/MasterCard (GVMC) Award with a prize of $2,500,000.00 USD!
• It then prompts the users to fill out the claims form in order to claim the prize money.
• The claims form asks for users’ personal details such as names, addresses, phone numbers, age, email addresses, and occupation.
• The claims form also asks a few questions such as ‘Ever won an online lottery’, ‘How satisfied are you with Google’.
• Once users fill out the form and send it back to the scammers, they might receive follow up emails asking for their banking details.

Contents of the email attachment

“This is to inform you that you have been selected as a winner for using Google services by the E-mail electronic online sweepstake organized by Google, in conjunction with the Foundation for the Promotion of Software Products (F.P.S.P) and confirmed by our co-sponsors Visa/Mastercard International. You are therefore awarded $2,500,000.00 USD with E-Ticket No <18digits>. Be informed that your prize has been insured and a Visa/Mastercard will be credited with the total sum won and delivered to your designated address that you are to provide to your claim administrator. We do believe with your prize, you will continue to be active in your usage of Google service and Visa/Mastercard products.

Furthermore, your winning prize delivery logistics will be superintended to our Afro-regional representative office as was indicated in your winning coupon slip. Your prize will be released to you upon meeting the requirement of the promotion award board authority which includes your statutory obligations. You are advised to contact our Foreign Payment Bureau with your Claims Information as required below to file your Claims,” the attachment read, BleepingComputer reported.

The bottom line

If you receive any such email stating you won money, remember it is a mere scam and avoid sending your personal details to stay safe.