Email scams have existed for as long as digital mailing has existed. The Gmail website started showing a checkmark next to verified senders last year, confirming that they are indeed the people they claim to be. Mobile users will soon be able to recognize authentic senders with a similar checkmark in the Gmail app for Android and iOS.
The Gmail apps for smartphones will begin displaying checkmarks next to senders that have adopted Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) and have registered trademarks with Verified Mark Certificates (VMC). This ensures the email domain truly belongs to the company.
Senders with Common Mark Certificates (CMC) instead of VMC will still show their logo but without a verification checkmark. Only official Gmail is able to display these symbols – third-party email apps won’t support it.
Gradually, over the next few weeks, the verified checkmark feature will roll out to more Android and iPhone Gmail users worldwide. Be sure your app is updated, then keep an eye out for the helpful new indicator. Less confusion means fewer people tricked by fake emails!
