How do I deal with Google account expired scam texts and missing email?
Answer
Texts that say a Google account is expired and demand payment are almost always scams. Sign into Google only through the official account pages, ignore the payment demand, then check Gmail filters and any Outlook rules or forwarding that could be moving mail.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Texts that demand payment to prevent Google account expiration or data loss are common scams.
- Deleting the wrong mail rule can be reversed, but approving a scammer's payment or remote access can put the whole account at risk.
Follow these steps
Ignore the payment texts and open Google yourself
Do not use links from the text messages. Open a browser, type accounts.google.com yourself, and sign into the affected Google account.
You should see: You reach the official Google Account page without using the text message link.
Review Google security alerts
In Google Account security settings, review recent sign-ins, recovery phone and email, and any unfamiliar devices or apps. Change the password only from this official page if anything looks wrong.
You should see: You confirm whether the account is still active and remove any unfamiliar sign-in methods.
Check Gmail filters, spam, and forwarding
In Gmail on the web, check Spam and Trash, then open Settings and review Filters, Blocked addresses, and Forwarding for rules that move or send mail away from the inbox.
You should see: You find and can turn off any unexpected filter or forwarding setting.
If you use Outlook, inspect rules and junk settings
Sign into Outlook on the web or desktop, open Settings, then check Mail rules, Junk email, Sweep, and Forwarding. Delete any rule that moves or redirects your Google or other mail unexpectedly.
You should see: Unexpected Outlook rules or forwarding options are removed, and new mail stays in the inbox.
Send yourself a test message
From a different email address, send a short test message to the affected account and watch which folder it lands in.
You should see: The test message arrives in the inbox, or you can see exactly which folder or rule caught it.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
0 of 5 checked
Extra tips
What to look for: Texts demanding payment to stop an expired Google account, plus missing inbox mail that may be in Spam, Trash, or moved by a rule
Before you change anything: Do not tap links in the expired-account text messages. Do not pay any fee claimed to save Google data. Sign in only by typing accounts.google.com or gmail.com yourself. Never share passwords or one-time codes with callers or texters.