Google Phishing Scam Alert: What Every Business Needs to Know

They’re not breaking in. They’re being let in. That’s the scary reality behind a sophisticated phishing scam making waves across the digital world—this time, impersonating Google itself.

At Evolving Technology Solutions, we’ve seen a sharp rise in phishing attacks targeting small and mid-sized businesses in Michigan. But this latest scam? It’s one of the most convincing yet—and it’s catching even the tech-savvy off guard.

What’s Going On?

Cybercriminals are exploiting a simple but powerful tactic: impersonating Google Drive file shares. Here’s how it works:

• You get a seemingly legitimate email or notification saying someone has shared a Google Doc or PDF with you.

• The file name includes terms like “Invoice,” “Payroll,” or “Confidential Report” to spark urgency.

• When you click, you’re taken to a convincing Google-style login page—but it’s a fake.

• Once you enter your credentials, the attackers have full access to your Google account. That’s email, Drive, Calendar, and in many cases—your business.

Why This Scam Works

This scam isn’t your run-of-the-mill “Nigerian prince” email.It uses real Google infrastructure to send the notifications. That means:

• The email comes from a real Google address.

• The sharing notification looks legitimate.

• Even cautious users feel safe clicking.

It bypasses spam filters. It bypasses instinct. And once they’re in, attackers can plant malware, steal sensitive data, or launch ransomware.

The Real Risk to Your Business

For businesses that rely on Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Drive), this scam poses a serious threat. If an employee clicks and enters their info:

• Your business email can be hijacked

• Internal files can be exfiltrated

• Clients and partners may receive spoofed emails from your domain

• Your entire Google ecosystem can be compromised in minutes

It only takes one employee. One click. One slip.

How to Stay Protected

We recommend putting these safeguards in place immediately:

1. Train Your Team (Again and Again): Even the best tech can’t stop a user from voluntarily handing over their credentials. Regular cybersecurity awareness training is essential.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require MFA on all Google accounts. Even if credentials are stolen, MFA stops unauthorized access.

3. Use Endpoint Protection: Install advanced threat protection on all devices. Solutions like Bitdefender (used by ETS) can stop malware before it spreads.

4. Monitor and Control Access: Use Google Admin settings to limit file sharing to trusted domains. Monitor login attempts and suspicious activity.

5. Conduct a Cyber Risk Assessment: Not sure where your weaknesses are? That’s where we come in. Our Free Cyber Risk Assessment identifies gaps before hackers do.

Final Thoughts: If It Looks Too Legit, Be Suspicious

The most dangerous scams aren’t the sloppy ones—they’re the ones that look like business as usual. That’s what makes this Google phishing scam so dangerous.

Cybercriminals aren’t hacking their way in. They’re tricking your team into holding the door open.

Let’s close that door—for good.

Want to know if your business is vulnerable? Book your FREE cyber risk assessment now.