Gmail Phishing Scam

I just got this email, and while it's the usual sort of phishing scam, the timing is pretty good for a better than usual success rate, because of the uncertainty Google has created with it's real names policy regarding Google products. I've sent it on to abuse@gmail.com, if anyone lives there, but the important thing to do is make sure than neither you, nor any of your slightly computer-illiterate friends fall for it.

from Gmail Team google.e-mail.verification@cyberservices.com to info.support@google.com date Wed, Sep 28, 2011 at 4:49 AM subject Gmail Warning Verification

hide details 4:49 AM (4 hours ago)

Dear Member,

We have decided to protect each account with a user account control to protect user privacy and make sure each user account is not accessed unauthorized since we have been detecting unusual activities on some user accounts. We are sending this general message to all users to confirm their details below for verification purposes :

* Full Name * :

* Email ID * :

* Password * :

* Year of Birth * :

*Alternative E-mail * :

* Country * :

Remember : All members are sending in their details for verification. E-mail to let us know if you do not want to receive spam e-mails anymore. Account owner that refuses to update his or her account within (7)days of receiving this warning will lose his or her account permanently. Your account email service will continue to work as normal.

Google.com

The English usage is a tell, and it makes me think Russia or Eastern Europe. But the most important thing is to remember that no reputable company asks for your password in email.

Ok, back to our irregularly scheduled mutterings.