SCAM ALERT: New Gmail Scam Alarming Montana Officials

BUTTE, MT - Scams are getting slicker, and now they’re creeping into inboxes across Big Sky Country.

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Montana residents, especially Gmail users (which, let’s be honest, is most of us), are being warned about a new scam making the rounds—and it’s convincing enough to fool just about anyone.

This isn’t your typical typo-riddled phishing email. This one looks sharp, polished, and alarmingly legit.

It Looks Real Because It Almost Is

The emails appear to come straight from Google, your bank, or even a government office.

No sketchy sender names. No obvious spelling errors. No mismatched logos. Just a clean, official-looking message that urges you to act—quickly.

One click on the wrong link, and just like that, the scammers have your Gmail login info. You're locked out, and they’re in.

Could This Hit Montana Harder Than We Think?

Montanans may be particularly vulnerable to this kind of attack.

In rural areas, where tech support might not be as readily accessible, and where scams don’t always feel like a big threat, emails like these can slip through the cracks. Scammers often prey on urgency and confusion, and in a state where internet access can be spotty and online services more trusted than questioned, it’s the perfect storm.

Beyond just your Gmail inbox, a compromised Google account can mean access to your calendar, saved passwords, private photos, banking emails, and more. That’s why this isn’t just about email—it’s about everything tied to it.

What Montanans Should Do Right Now

If you use Gmail, now’s the time to double-check your account settings:

• Add a recovery email and phone number.
  Google gives you seven days to recover a compromised account—but only if you’ve set up these backup methods in advance.

• Never respond to an email asking for your password or verification code.
  Google doesn’t ask for that information via email. Period.

• Turn on 2-step verification.
  It might feel like an extra step, but it’s one of the best defenses against account takeovers.

• Double-check links before clicking.
  Hover over them with your cursor. If the destination looks suspicious or unfamiliar, don’t click.

Scammers are getting smarter, and their tactics are evolving. Don’t let a well-crafted email cost you your digital life. If something feels off, trust your gut—delete it, report it, and move on.