Scam library · Email & phishing · Tech support
'Email storage full' phishing
'Your cloud storage is full. Your photos and videos will be deleted within 24 hours.' The email has a big button to upgrade or free up space, sometimes with a small payment.
It's not from your email or cloud provider. The page steals your login or card details.
What the message looks like
From: Cloud Storage <no-reply@cloud-storage-alerts[.]info>
Subject: Your photos will be deleted: storage full
Your cloud storage is full. Your photos and videos will be deleted within 24 hours.
Upgrade now for only $1.99 to keep your memories safe.
How this scam works
These emails copy the look of Google, iCloud, Microsoft and email providers. They often come from random addresses and include subject lines with your email address.
Some ask you to log in, others ask for a small payment like $1.99 to 'upgrade'. That payment form collects your card details for fraud or recurring charges.
Real storage warnings appear inside your account settings and apps.
Work email versions say your company mailbox is full and you need to 'validate' it to keep receiving messages. They target business passwords.
Because many people really are close to their storage limits, these emails feel believable. That's why checking in the app is the right habit.
If you're unsure, ask whoever manages your email at work, or check your account directly from a bookmark.
Some versions go further and say your account will be 'suspended' or your emails 'returned to sender' unless you act. Others show a fake storage bar at 99% full to add urgency.
To check your real storage, open your email or cloud app and go to its storage or account settings, or go to the provider's website by typing the address yourself. If you do need more space, you can upgrade there safely.
Red flags
- Threats to delete photos or emails.
- Senders that aren't your provider's domain.
- Small payments to 'upgrade'.
- Login pages outside the provider's domain.
- Work emails asking you to 'validate' your mailbox.
How to tell it’s fake
- Check storage in your account settings or app.
- Look at the sender's address.
- Hover over links to see where they go.
- Ask IT if it's a work email.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Don't click. Delete the email or report it as phishing.
If you paid
- If you paid, contact your card issuer to dispute and block the card.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you logged in, change your password and enable two-step verification.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard in Chrome and Edge on your computer checks storage warnings in Gmail and Outlook on the web. It recognizes fake upgrade pages and login forms. If a warning seems legit, a scam expert can check it.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Is my storage really full?
- Check in your account settings or app.
- Will my photos be deleted?
- Not because of a random email. Check your account.
- I paid $1.99. Is that bad?
- Your card details may be stolen. Contact your card issuer.
- How do I report phishing?
- Use your email provider's report button.
- The email came from my own address. Is it real?
- Sender addresses can be spoofed. Check storage in your account directly.