YouTube issues an email fraud alert.

YouTube is looking into and warning users about a new phishing scheme that uses the legitimate no-reply@youtube.com email address. Users are going to be persuaded into providing their login details by fraud.

YouTube is one of the biggest video-sharing platform in the world. Now it has become a target for phishing attempts. Scammers have created a new way to catch YouTubers off guard with the use of the platform's Share Video by Email option which sends out phishing emails that look real. YouTube has become aware of this phenomenon and urges viewers to use caution.

A fraudulent method in which emails are sent from a real YouTube account has been disclosed by YouTube. Using the no-reply@youtube.com email address the fraudulent message looks to have been received directly from YouTube.

Developer of social media content Kevin Breeze tweeted that the most recent phishing scam is an assault on the video-sharing platform instead of a fake email and he notified YouTube of it. This demonstrates that scammers are sending these emails via the platform's sharing feature. Similar to earlier phishing attempts the phishing email includes a YouTube video along with a message informing users of YouTube's new revenue approach and new rules.

The email also contains a Google Drive link that wants a password. To generate a sense of urgency users have only seven days to review and comment before their YouTube access is disabled. By clicking the document and providing the needed information users suffer the risk of losing control of their YouTube account which will then be hijacked by thieves. This needs to be modified because most YouTube users sign in using their Gmail accounts. If their YouTube account has been hacked information from their Gmail account will also be stolen.

To assure their safety users are recommended to use caution and focus. Emails should always be carefully reviewed before responding even if they come from the company's official email address. Two-factor authentication should also be activated. Because HTTPS has an extra "s" that stands for "secure" it uses a secure protocol to transfer sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. It often shows up in the address bar of your browser as a little padlock icon. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a link or email don't click on it instead go to the source.

This recently discovered scam strategy acts as an example that even the most popular and reliable websites are subjected to online dangers. To stay safe users must be aware of these attacks and take security measures.

Some more Tips For Reducing YouTube Scams

There are various steps you may do to protect yourself from YouTube scams:

Be careful of videos that promised quick riches or simple money.

You shouldn't rely on videos that ask for personal information like your name, address or credit card number. Reputable YouTube videos shouldn't ever ask for this information.

In the uploader's name look for the "verified" label on it. The icon denotes that YouTube has confirmed the authenticity of the channel and it belongs to the person or company it pretends to represent.

When clicking on links in comments or video descriptions proceed with caution. These links may take you to fraudulent websites or download malicious software.

Before purchasing goods or services promoted in YouTube videos read feedback. To make their schemes seem more credible fraudulent entities often use bogus appraisals and endorsements.

Any video that asks that you give money or donate should be viewed with carefully. Genuine fundraising initiatives and organizations will be straightforward about where your money is going and what it will be used for.

YouTube should be notified of any questionable videos or activities. A reporting system for scams and other fraudulent conduct is available on YouTube.

In order to protect their computers from a virus users are urged to use the best antivirus software. YouTube may also need to temporarily stop the Send Video by Email feature in order to prevent hacker misuse.