Working the system: Cybercriminals are using hacked government and law enforcement email addresses to request customer data from Big Tech companies. Police usually need a search warrant for files and messages, but for basic details like phone numbers, login credentials and approximate locations, a request is all it takes.
🚨 Scammers’ newest trick: This time, it’s fake arrest warrants claiming you’re facing felony charges for missing jury duty. They’re using texts and calls — a huge red flag, since the police don’t text about arrests. These warrants can look legit, with a judge’s signature and all. Pro tip: Any time you get a call from the police, call your local non-emergency line to see if the police call is real.
Google isn’t going to hand your location to the police anymore: Location History (aka Timeline) tracks your every move, and cops were able to pull your data from Google’s servers if you were near a crime scene at the wrong time. Now it’s being stored on-device only, so police will have to come to you directly with a warrant.