I've received an automated mail saying "my" new e-mail address was created. My e-mail is example@gmail.com
, and the message says the new address is something like exampleabc@gmail.com
.
I immediately changed the password and went through the security check. I also checked the latest activity. I saw something strange:
Authorized app (427071021612.apps.googleusercontent.com)
Hide details
OAuth domain name:
427071021612.apps.googleusercontent.com
Manage account access
Why did this happen? Did I get hacked?
Best Answer
It would seem that more than likely someone created a new Gmail (Google) account and listed your email address as the account recovery email address. Why? Who knows. Error. Prank. Plain stupidity. Take your pick.
Your account is fine; this is little more than an inconvenience and, honestly, poor security on their part. Now you have a gateway to take over their account.
Another possibility is that this is a phishing message to try to get you to log into a bogus site and give up your credentials. As long as your practicing good security to keep your Google account secure you should be fine. At the very least, be sure to use 2-step authentication.