Yesterday at approximately 3:45 pm pacific time my gmail switched to a prompt for my password. I was in middle of cooking from a recipe I had stored there so I was actively using the account at that moment. Not usually a problem except my password would not work. At all.
So I got into their trouble tree for passwords and was told to wait up to three days for a response so I could get my gmail back. Galling, creating worry about my associates data and conversations being exposed to whomever hacked my gmail, but I was willing to wait.
Why do I think it was hacked?
I'm not even a medium fish in a small pond. But I do go after controversial subjects. Recently I posted a screen grab of George Zimmerman's web page and parked it on flickr, The comments there are a plethora of rightwing hate and ignorance. So I have to assume an ignorant hacker got it into their head to hack my gmail.
What was gmail's response to this situation? Not to protect the the addresses of my associates. Not to keep me as a customer so I will see their inane banner ads and have my name associated with their service. I know they have to be making money off me from the Federal Governments need to spy on anyone not exhibiting sheep like tendencies.
Instead in my email box I get an extortion letter:
The assisted Google Account recovery service ensures you'll have prioritized support and receive a response within 3 days. To get started, we'll need two pieces of information:
Details about your account
Your credit card information (on the next page)
An account specialist will then review your information and email you a reply. Unfortunately, we can't guarantee that you'll get your account back through this service.
Service Options
This service requires a non-refundable payment, which will not be charged until we send you your response.
Select between our prioritized recovery options *
Standard service: Submit your information through an online form and receive a response within 3 days. US$ 3.00
Phone assistance: Speak with an account specialist via phone Monday - Friday between 9am-5pm Eastern. You will receive a response via email within 3 days. US$ 15.00
Provide details about your account
Tell us about your account *
Helpful details include:
The approximate dates you created and lost access to the account
The city and country where you created your account
The Google products you used with this account (ex. Android, Gmail, Calendar)
The devices you used to access your account (ex. laptops, phones, tablets)
Any security features you enabled
Any other details that might help prove you own the account
Are you able to receive and send new emails on the account? *
For example, you might still be able to access email on your mobile device or in a mail client such as Microsoft Outlook.
Yes
No
I don't know
Who is your Internet service provider (ISP) or mobile carrier?
No other options but ones that are paid for.
Gthanks Gmail.
Now you have not only lost a customer but I will actively make sure people are aware of the scam you have going.
Google Inc. 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043.
accounts-support-ara@google.com ;
H/T to progdog-This is not phishing but extortion from google.
Prioritized account recovery support
In certain circumstances, such as when we detect a high likelihood of an account being compromised, you might receive an invitation for one-to-one support. This prioritized support helps us gather all relevant account information from our users before deciding whether or not to return an account.
Benefits of prioritized account recovery support include:
Users will be assured of receiving follow-up from Google regarding their account recovery claim faster than usual.
Prioritized attention will be given to the account, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in the investigative process.
Users have an opportunity to provide additional information relevant to their account activity.
How to use prioritized account recovery support
Prioritized account recovery support is currently offered on an invitation-only basis for selected users. Users will receive, via email, a link to access this service in response to an account recovery claim that requires additional review.
You can file an account recovery claim at www.google.com/accounts/recovery.
Payment for prioritized account recovery support is handled through Google Checkout. You must use the invitation link that you receive over email in order to use this service. Make sure that you're signed out from all Google accounts before using Google Checkout for this feature.
For assistance with issues regarding prioritized account recovery support, please refer to the “Contact Google Account Recovery” link in the Checkout receipt sent after your payment.