Bob the Cyber-Guy’s Cyber Safety Tip — #121

'Sign in With Google’ Isn’t Always Your Friend

Those big friendly buttons that say “Sign in with Google,” “Sign in with Microsoft,” or “Continue with Apple” look safe — and most of the time, they are.

But scammers have figured out how to fake the look while stealing your login in the background.

🚨 What’s the real risk?

• Fake websites can display convincing copycat login buttons

• Clicking one may send you to a phony sign-in page, not Google or Microsoft

• Once entered, your email login can be captured — giving attackers access to:

  • Email

  • Contacts

  • Password resets

  • Cloud files

This is OAuth phishing, and it’s growing fast.

✅ How to stay safe (no tech degree required)

• Check the address bar before clicking any sign-in button

  • Real Google sign-ins come from accounts.google.com

• If anything feels off, don’t use the shortcut

  • Go directly to the site and log in the long way

• Never sign in through links from emails or pop-ups

• Enable two-factor authentication on your email account (non-negotiable)

 🧠 Cyber-Bob’s plain-English rule

Convenience is fine — blind trust is not.

If a website pushes you to “sign in instantly” without giving you time to think, that’s your cue to slow down.

Modern scams don’t look dangerous anymore.

They look helpful. 

(I created the prompt, ChatGPT created the information.)