You might get an email or text that seems to come from Apple, Microsoft, or Google, saying you’re out of storage. The message looks legit, and you might think there’s a chance you need more cloud space, but your scam-radar is going off. How can you be sure the link to upgrade isn’t a scam?
If you don’t even have cloud storage with the company emailing you, that’s the best clue that the message is a phishing scam you can report and delete.
But if the message comes from a company you do use for cloud storage, contact them directly. But don’t click the link in the message. Instead, use a number or website you know to be real — or log into your cloud account to see if you really need more cloud space.
Scammers often create phishing emails designed to trick you into clicking a link. Their goal? Steal your personal information or install malware on your device. So, if you suspect a phishing scam:
- Forward the email to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.
- Report phishing text messages on the messaging app you use or forward the text message to SPAM (7726).
- Report the phishing attempt to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Learn more about to protect yourself from phishing attacks and how to block and report spam text messages.
