Summary
Experts, marketers, and Google's official documentation all advise extreme caution regarding unsolicited emails claiming to be from Google Workspace support, especially those mentioning blocklistings. It is considered unusual for Google to initiate contact about blocklistings via email. Scammers commonly use email spoofing techniques. The consensus is to independently verify such claims through official Google channels and never provide sensitive information via email. Key steps include checking the email headers, domain authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), verifying records in the Google Workspace Admin console, checking the return-path, and verifying that domain verification settings align. Tools like MXToolbox and Google Admin Toolbox can assist with independent verification.
Key findings
- Unsolicited Contact Risky: Unsolicited emails about blocklistings from supposed Google Workspace support should be treated with high suspicion.
- Spoofing is Common: Email spoofing is frequently used to impersonate legitimate organizations, including Google.
- Independent Verification Vital: Always verify claims made in such emails through official Google channels, not through links provided in the email itself.
- Authentication is Key: Legitimate communications from Google Workspace are likely to use proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
- No Password Requests: Google will never ask for your password or other sensitive information via email.
Key considerations
- Header Analysis: Carefully analyze email headers to determine the true origin and authentication status of the email.
- Domain Verification Alignment: Confirm that the email aligns with your verified domain settings in the Google Workspace Admin console.
- Check Support Portal: Check the Google Workspace support portal to see if the communication is documented there.
- Verify Sender Address: Check for details like the return-path address and other details that may indicate if an email is coming from a legitimate Google address.
- Review Sending Patterns: Compare the email's sending patterns to known patterns of legitimate Google Workspace communications.
What email marketers say
11 marketer opinions
Experts and marketers generally advise caution regarding unsolicited emails claiming to be from Google Workspace support, particularly those mentioning blocklistings. While Google Workspace support can be responsive, it's unusual for them to initiate contact about blocklists via email. Scammers often use spoofing techniques to mimic legitimate communications. Always independently verify any such claims through official Google channels, by checking email headers, domain authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and confirming records in the Google Workspace Admin console. It's recommended to check the email's return-path and cross-reference information through your account settings or by contacting Google support directly.
Key opinions
- Unusual Contact: It's uncommon for Google Workspace support to proactively notify users about blocklistings via email.
- Spoofing Risk: Email spoofing is a common tactic used by scammers to impersonate legitimate entities like Google.
- Verify Independently: Always verify claims of blocklisting or other issues through official Google channels, such as the Admin console or direct support.
- Header Analysis: Analyzing email headers can reveal the true origin and authenticity of the message.
- Authentication Checks: Legitimate Google communications will likely have proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
Key considerations
- Initiated Contact: If the email claims you contacted support first, confirm that you actually submitted a request.
- Domain Verification: Check domain verification settings to ensure the email aligns with verified domain details.
- Support Portal Record: If the email is genuine, there will be a record in the Google Workspace support portal.
- Authentication Results: Review SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication results in the email headers to detect potential spoofing.
- Domain Health Check: Use tools like MXToolbox to check your domain's health and blocklist status independently.
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailGeeks forum responds that, if concerned about legitimacy, always cross-reference information from a claimed support email with your account settings or by contacting support through known, official channels.
24 Aug 2022 - EmailGeeks Forum
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Deliverability Blog shares that legitimate email communications from providers like Google will likely use proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). Analyzing the email headers can help determine if the email is authentic.
17 Sep 2024 - Email Deliverability Blog
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
Experts from Spam Resource and Word to the Wise emphasize caution when receiving unsolicited emails from Google Workspace support regarding blocklistings. They highlight the importance of strong email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) as a sign of legitimacy and advise checking the email headers for authentication results. They also note that reputable senders, such as Google Workspace, maintain consistent sending patterns and clear contact information, and recommend independently verifying any claims through official Google channels rather than clicking on links in the email.
Key opinions
- Authentication Importance: Strong email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is a key indicator of legitimate email communication from Google.
- Consistency Matters: Reputable senders like Google Workspace typically maintain consistent sending patterns and provide clear contact information.
- Verify Independently: Independently verify any claims made in suspicious emails through official Google channels to ensure their legitimacy.
Key considerations
- Check Email Headers: Examine email headers for authentication results and inconsistencies that may indicate a fraudulent email.
- Compare Sending Patterns: Assess the email's sending patterns against typical Google Workspace communication to identify potential anomalies.
- Avoid Direct Links: Refrain from clicking on links within suspicious emails and instead navigate to official Google resources directly.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource, John Levine, explains that legitimate entities like Google are increasingly tightening their email authentication requirements (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). A failure to authenticate is a strong signal of a potentially fraudulent email. He advises users to check the headers and authentication results of any email claiming to be from Google Workspace support.
6 Sep 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, responds that reputable email senders like Google Workspace typically have consistent sending patterns and clear contact information. Suspicious emails may lack this consistency. She recommends independently verifying any claims made in such emails through official Google channels rather than clicking on links provided in the message.
9 Jul 2022 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
Google's official documentation emphasizes caution when receiving unsolicited emails, especially regarding blocklistings, and advises users on how to identify phishing attempts. Key strategies include verifying the sender's address, avoiding suspicious links, and checking the email's authenticity through official Google channels. Users should review their domain verification settings, implement security best practices, and analyze email headers to trace the email's origin. Understanding and utilizing DMARC policies can help determine if the sending domain is taking steps to prevent spoofing.
Key findings
- Never Ask for Passwords: Google will never ask for your password or other sensitive information via email.
- Domain Verification Alignment: Emails claiming to be from Google should align with verified domain settings in the Google Workspace Admin console.
- Security Settings Importance: Maintaining robust security settings is crucial for protecting against phishing attacks.
- DMARC for Anti-Spoofing: DMARC policies help prevent email spoofing, and checking for a DMARC record can indicate if the sender is implementing security measures.
- Header Analysis for Origin: Analyzing email headers using tools like Google Admin Toolbox can reveal the email's origin and path.
Key considerations
- Sender Address Verification: Carefully examine the sender's email address for any discrepancies or unusual characters.
- Link Suspicion: Avoid clicking on links in suspicious emails and instead navigate to official Google resources directly.
- Implement Security Best Practices: Enforce strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly update security settings.
- DMARC Record Check: Check for a DMARC record to verify if the sending domain has implemented anti-spoofing measures.
- Review 'Received:' Headers: Examine the 'Received:' headers to trace the email's journey and verify its authenticity.
Technical article
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help, highlighting that checking domain verification settings can confirm if Google has officially contacted you about account issues. Any email purporting to be from Google should align with your verified domain settings.
5 Jun 2022 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article
Documentation from Google's DMARC Overview, explaining how DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) policies are used to prevent email spoofing. Checking for a DMARC record can indicate whether the sending domain is taking steps to protect against unauthorized email.
29 Sep 2023 - Google DMARC Overview
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