Gmail Unsubscribe Scam: If you use a smartphone and have your Gmail logged in, you probably receive many emails every day.
These constant notifications can get annoying. To fix this, Gmail now offers an easy ‘Unsubscribe’ button that lets you stop getting unwanted emails.
While this seems helpful, cybercriminals have turned this feature into a new trick to hack your device.
Warning for Gmail Users About a New Cyber Scam
Gmail users have started receiving warnings about a dangerous cyber attack. At first glance, these emails may seem normal, but they can allow hackers to steal your data or even take control of your phone or computer remotely.
How Does the Gmail Unsubscribe Scam Work?
These days, most promotional or marketing emails have an ‘Unsubscribe’ button next to the sender’s information.
When you click it, you’re often redirected to a new webpage or see a pop-up asking, “Do you want to stop receiving emails from this mailing list (brand name)?”
This is where the danger begins. Hackers use this button to trick users into clicking links that install viruses or malware.
Instead of removing your email from the list, clicking this fake unsubscribe link gives hackers access to your device. They can steal personal data or damage your system.
Scammers are constantly inventing new ways to target people. The high number of spam emails and Gmail’s spam filtering tools have pushed them to create scams like this.
Cybersecurity experts warn that many users, tired of constant emails, are more likely to click unsubscribe without thinking. This makes it easier for scammers to trap them.
How to Stay Safe from the Unsubscribe Scam
Avoid clicking the ‘Unsubscribe’ button in emails from unknown or suspicious senders.
Do not open emails with subject lines like “Urgent” or “Final Notice,” especially if you don’t recognize the sender.
Only use the unsubscribe button if it appears right next to the sender’s details at the top of the email (as Gmail shows it safely there). Avoid links hidden at the bottom of suspicious emails.
Check suspicious emails carefully before deciding to unsubscribe. Sometimes it’s safer to just mark the mail as spam.
