New Device Signed In Email Scam Steals Your Gmail Account Login Password
Written by: Lapain Epuran
Published on:
A security email says a device that has never accessed your account just signed in. If you do not recognize it, a large REPORT ACTIVITIES button promises to stop the intruder.
The New Device Signed In email scam turns that protective instinct against the recipient. The button opens a Gmail-style login hosted on usc1.contabostorage[.]com and asks for the very password the warning claims is at risk.
Cloud storage in the address can make the page feel technical or enterprise-grade, but it is not the email provider. The page owner can place a copied login form on legitimate hosting infrastructure without the host endorsing the content.
The campaign is credential phishing, not proof that a new device reached the account. The real security history must be checked by opening the provider directly, separate from the alert.
Overview
The email imitates a real kind of security alert
The subject says Sign in from a new device. The body tells the recipient that an unfamiliar device accessed the account and that no action is needed if the sign-in was expected.
That balanced wording resembles a genuine notification. The message becomes dangerous when REPORT ACTIVITIES directs the user to infrastructure unrelated to the account provider.
The login is hosted on Contabo storage
The destination is usc1.contabostorage[.]com. The page places a fake login over what looks like an email-service homepage and labels the form gmail Portal.
Contabo provides hosting and storage. A customer-controlled page on its domain is not a Google sign-in page and should never collect a Gmail password.
The stolen inbox unlocks other accounts
Credentials submitted to the fake form can be captured by criminals. They may read private messages, reset connected services, download files, and send new phishing from the real address.
Email compromise can also support identity theft and financial fraud because banks, stores, social platforms, and workplace systems often use the mailbox for recovery and approval messages.
The subject says Sign in from a new device.
The message claims the device has never accessed the account before.
A REPORT ACTIVITIES button offers an urgent response.
No trustworthy device, time, location, or browser details are supplied.
The button opens usc1.contabostorage[.]com.
The page labels its copied form gmail Portal.
It requests an email address and current password.
The real provider has no connection with the page.
Why New-Device Alerts Create Such a Strong Reaction
Genuine account providers do notify users about unfamiliar sign-ins. The alerts are valuable precisely because quick action can stop an attacker who has learned a password.
That familiarity gives this scam a ready-made script. The victim does not need to believe an unusual prize or invoice, only that a common security control worked as expected.
The warning creates a difficult choice: ignore it and risk leaving an intruder inside, or click immediately and try to protect the account. Attackers design the button to make the second option feel responsible.
A vague device description can actually help the scam. People use many browsers, phones, work computers, virtual private networks, and applications, so an unfamiliar session can feel possible even without specific evidence.
The counterfeit page then requests a fresh login under the pretense of authorization. The victim believes the password is being used to block access, while it is actually being delivered to the attacker.
How Genuine Google Security Alerts Differ
Google says a new-device notification can include the device type, time, and location. Users can mark the activity as theirs or say it was not them, then secure the account.
Google also lets users review recent security activity and signed-in devices inside the Google Account. That page can be opened independently without relying on an email link.
A Google password should be entered only on a verified Google sign-in domain. usc1.contabostorage[.]com is a cloud-storage host and cannot authenticate a Google Account merely by displaying Gmail branding.
The phrase gmail Portal is another clue. It combines a familiar product name with generic wording, rather than showing the normal identity flow reached through accounts.google.com.
No malware download was confirmed in the examined campaign. The established objective is credential theft, although a recipient should still inspect downloads if the site behaved unexpectedly.
How the New Device Signed In Email Scam Works
Step 1: A fake security alert reaches the inbox
The subject announces a sign-in from a new device. The message may use a generic Account Security sender or imitate the colors and wording of a common mail provider.
The display name is easy to copy. The real sender domain and a matching event inside the authenticated account are needed to establish origin.
Step 2: The message invents an unfamiliar session
The body says the device has never accessed the account before and asks the recipient to confirm whether the activity was expected. It may omit the details a real alert normally shows.
The absence of a device type, location, browser, IP address, and exact time makes the claim difficult to compare with the user's recent actions.
Step 3: REPORT ACTIVITIES turns fear into a click
The all-caps button sounds like a reporting tool rather than a login link. A recipient may assume it immediately blocks the suspicious device.
Hovering over the button reveals that it does not lead to the provider's security center. On mobile, that destination may remain hidden until after the page opens.
Step 4: The visitor lands on Contabo cloud storage
usc1.contabostorage[.]com hosts the fraudulent page. Attackers often abuse legitimate hosting and storage services because their domains look less suspicious than newly registered random names.
The hosting company is not the account provider. Infrastructure reputation cannot transfer authority to customer-controlled content placed on it.
Step 5: A copied Gmail Portal form appears
The page overlays an email login and asks for the address and password. A blurred provider homepage or matching logo makes the form feel connected to the account.
The page can adapt its appearance based on the email address, but that is simple template selection. It does not show that the provider sent the alert.
Step 6: The password is sent to criminals
Once submitted, the credential can be collected immediately. An error message may ask the user to retry, helping the attackers capture a corrected password.
A redirect to real webmail can follow. Because the genuine account still works, the user may assume the report was accepted and never realize the earlier form was fake.
Step 7: The mailbox supports wider account takeover
Criminals may add forwarding, read password resets, search for financial records, and impersonate the owner. They can also remove security notifications to hide continued access.
Contacts may trust messages from the compromised address. The stolen mailbox can therefore spread document lures, invoice changes, or new-device alerts to another group of victims.
Company and Checkout Checks
Open recent security activity independently
Use the provider's official application or type its account address manually. Review the event list for the claimed device, time, location, browser, and IP information.
If no matching event appears, the email did not create one. If a real event exists, secure the account through the provider's own controls rather than the message.
Review all signed-in devices
Remove sessions you do not recognize and compare each device with phones, browsers, mail clients, and workplace systems you actually use. Remember that location estimates can be imprecise.
A virtual private network or mobile carrier can make a familiar device appear in a different city. Investigate the full set of details instead of judging one field alone.
Inspect the final login domain
For a Google Account, the authentication flow should remain on a verified Google domain. Contabo storage is not a substitute for accounts.google.com.
A copied logo, HTTPS lock, cloud-provider name, and prefilled address cannot repair a domain mismatch. Stop before typing the password.
Use multi-factor prompts carefully
If an unexpected prompt appears on a trusted device, deny it and open the security page directly. Never approve a code or push merely because an email says reporting requires it.
Attackers who already have a password may trigger real prompts while the victim is reacting to phishing. Read the device, location, and action shown on the trusted prompt.
Warning Signs to Check Before You Act
A new-device alert lacks a clear device type, time, and location.
The sender is a generic Account Security team.
REPORT ACTIVITIES hides an external destination.
The link opens usc1.contabostorage[.]com.
A Gmail-style page is hosted outside Google.
The form is labeled gmail Portal.
The page asks for the current email password.
A password manager refuses to autofill the account credential.
No matching event appears in recent security activity.
The email pressures the recipient to respond before checking the account.
An error asks for the password a second time.
The page redirects to genuine webmail only after collecting information.
A real new-device alert is possible, which is why the safe response is not to ignore security. Open the real account independently and review the event there. A Gmail password does not belong on usc1.contabostorage[.]com.
What to Do if You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
Change the exposed password immediately. Open your email provider's official security page through a saved bookmark or its official application, not through the new-device sign-in alert message. Create a strong, unique password and replace it anywhere the same or a similar password was reused.
Enable stronger multi-factor authentication. Prefer a passkey, hardware security key, or authenticator app when available. Review the methods already registered and remove telephone numbers, recovery addresses, app passwords, or security keys you do not recognize.
Revoke active sessions and connected applications. Sign out other sessions and inspect OAuth access, browser sessions, mail clients, and third-party applications. A criminal may retain access through an issued token even after the primary password has changed.
Inspect mailbox rules and forwarding settings. Remove unknown forwarding addresses, delegates, filters, automatic replies, and rules that hide security messages. Review sent mail, trash, deleted messages, and account-recovery notifications for activity you did not initiate.
Secure accounts that use the mailbox for recovery. Prioritize banking, payment services, cloud storage, shopping, social media, workplace tools, and password managers. Change credentials wherever the compromised inbox could receive a reset link or approval request.
Protect the service impersonated by the email. Review recent security activity, devices, recovery methods, and email settings through its official account and contact support through a verified channel. Remove unknown addresses, payment methods, documents, devices, or profile changes associated with the scam's story.
Scan the device if anything was downloaded. Run a complete scan with Malwarebytes or another trusted security product if the page delivered a file, browser extension, or remote-support tool. Remove unfamiliar software and install operating-system and browser updates.
Add a blocking layer for future attempts. AdGuard or another reputable DNS and content blocker can stop some known phishing pages and malicious advertising from loading. Continue checking addresses because new campaign domains may appear before blocklists update.
Report the phishing message. Use the mail provider's Report Phishing control and notify your email provider and workplace or school security team. Preserve the full message and headers first, especially if multiple employees or customers received the same lure.
Warn contacts if the account was misused. Contact colleagues, customers, friends, and vendors through another channel. Ask them to ignore recent links, password requests, file shares, shipment notices, or payment instructions sent during the possible compromise window.
Reject unsolicited recovery offers. A caller or email sender who promises to recover the account or lost money for an advance payment may be extending the fraud. Work only with the provider, financial institution, employer, police, or a verified incident-response professional.
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. The fastest way to find out is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free — one of the most trusted malware removal tools available.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
When the scan finishes, click Quarantine to remove everything Malwarebytes found. That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
Once the scan is done, remove every threat it detected. Your Mac is now free of adware, rogue browser extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
After the scan, tap Remove Selected to delete all detected threats. Your Android phone is now clean — no more malicious apps, adware, or browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
No. The documented campaign sends recipients to a fake gmail Portal on Contabo cloud storage to collect email credentials.
Can Google send real new-device alerts?
Yes. Google can notify users about unfamiliar sign-ins, but the event can be reviewed directly in the Google Account with device, time, and location details.
Why is the fake page on a cloud-storage domain?
Attackers can abuse legitimate hosting services to make a destination look less suspicious. The service hosts the content but does not make it an official email-provider login.
What if the alert matches a real sign-in?
Secure the account through the provider's official security page. A real event and a phishing email can occur at the same time, so never rely on the email button.
What if I clicked but entered nothing?
Close the page, report the message, and check browser downloads. If no credential was submitted and nothing was installed, account theft is less likely.
What if I entered my Gmail password?
Change it at the real Google Account, revoke unknown sessions, enable stronger authentication, inspect Gmail forwarding and filters, and secure linked accounts immediately.
The Bottom Line
The New Device Signed In email scam copies a protective alert and places a credential trap behind REPORT ACTIVITIES. Its Gmail-style page on Contabo storage is not part of Google or another mail provider.
Review suspicious activity from inside the account reached independently. Genuine providers supply device, time, and location details and do not need an unrelated cloud-storage page to collect a password.
If credentials were entered, act quickly. Change the password, revoke sessions, inspect mailbox settings, strengthen authentication, and warn contacts before the stolen inbox becomes the source of another attack.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
Hello! I'm Lapain Epuran, your go-to source for detailed and honest product reviews. From tech gadgets to miracle cures, I provide insights to help you make informed choices. Join me as we discover what's truly worth your time and money.
