Google subpoena scam: What it looks like and how to avoid it

The Google subpoena scam is a phishing attack where they impersonate Google to create a false sense of urgency and fear. The scam typically involves an email claiming to come from Google, stating that a subpoena has been served, requiring the company to turn over account data. The email will urge the recipient to click on a link to view "case materials," which leads to a fraudulent website designed to look like a genuine Google support page. The scammers are skilled at spoofing Google's email addresses and mimicking the company's official content, making it easy for unsuspecting users to act impulsively. The scam works by exploiting legitimate Google services to bypass traditional spam filters, using OAuth applications combined with DKIM workarounds to create emails that can fool even careful users. The attack involves intercepting a legitimate Google email, saving it, and replaying it with a different account, making it look like it's from the original sender. The email reaches the victim's inbox, appearing legitimate, and the victim is tricked into thinking it's a legitimate message, potentially leading to harmful actions. To avoid falling victim to Google subpoena scams, it's essential to stay calm, avoid clicking any links or attachments, and verify any legal claims directly through Google's official support channels. Google takes privacy and security seriously and has a strict procedure in place to ensure that requests for user data are valid, lawful, and processed through proper channels. By following best practices, such as staying skeptical, inspecting emails carefully, and enabling 2FA, users can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to phishing scams.