Are you really out of Cloud storage or is that message a scam?

You might get an email or text that seems to come from Apple, Microsoft, or Google, saying you’re out of storage. The message looks legit, and you might think there’s a chance you need more cloud space, but your scam-radar is going off. How can you be sure the link to upgrade isn’t a scam?

If you don’t even have cloud storage with the company emailing you, that’s the best clue that the message as a phishing scam you can report and delete.

But if the message comes from a company you do use for cloud storage, contact them directly. But don’t click the link in the message. Instead, use a number or website you know to be real — or log into your cloud account to see if you really need more cloud space.

Scammers often create phishing emails designed to trick you into clicking a link. Their goal? Steal your personal information or install malware on your device. So, if you suspect a phishing scam:

• Forward the email to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.
• Report phishing text messages on the messaging app you use or forward the text message to SPAM (7726).
• Report the phishing attempt to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Learn more about to protect yourself from phishing attacks and how to block and report spam text messages.