In honor of my Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, my assistant Gabriella Samuels is writing for my newsletter and blog a series of consumer tips inspired by TV reporter Elizabeth Margaret Danniher.
As you know, Google is the most well-known tech company in the world. Gmail, Google Docs, and Google’s other applications are frequently used in professional and academic settings. Scammers are now using a popular application, Google Forms, to steal people’s personal information.
Google Forms is a free tool you can use to create surveys, tests and quizzes, event registrations and other forms of sharing or collecting information. To get your information, scammers use Google Forms to make fake, realistic-looking forms that appear to be from proper organizations.
A scammer might create a form that looks like an event sign-up. Usually, the scammer will send the Google Form with a fake email address that looks like it is from a colleague or friend. The fake form will ask you to enter your email, phone number, and full name, which ends up with you giving away your personal data.
Scammers often impersonate tech support and use fake forms to steal your login credentials and passwords. They might send a Google Forms link with malware that steals data from your computer.
Avoiding these illegitimate Google Forms is important to keeping your information safe.
Here are the best ways to avoid Google Forms scams:
- Avoid clicking on any links from email addresses you do not recognize.
- Be cautious of forms with poor grammar or spelling; they could be fraudulent.
- Never share passwords, payment information, or personal information on a Google Form without verifying its authenticity.
- Check for authentic branding, like logos, of legitimate organizations.
- Enable security tools such as antivirus protection software and 2 factor authentication.
Note: Google Forms have a “Report” button to alert Google of any illegitimate forms.
Stay vigilant and remember to always verify before sharing information online.