Domain Due Diligence
Report for Photos.app.goo.gl
Why we think so
Photos.app.goo.gl is an official Google domain used for sharing photos via Google Photos. It uses valid SSL certificates and is hosted on Google IP addresses. The domain is safe and not blacklisted, but has been exploited as a lure in phishing scams that trick users into revealing their Google credentials. There are no direct reports of the domain itself being fraudulent. Legal disputes mainly concern Google Photos’ biometric data practices, which the company has successfully defended. Social media scams using fake sharing links have caused indirect financial loss through credential theft. Users should be cautious with unexpected sharing requests and verify links before entering login information.
Risk Insights
Secure and Official Google Domain 🛡️
Phishing Risks Exist ⚠️
Contradictory Signals
While photos.app.goo.gl is legitimate, threat actors exploit it for fake sharing links to steal credentials.
Signal A: Domain is official and secure
Signal B: Domain links are used in phishing scams
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
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Phishing scams have used photos.app.goo.gl links to lure users into credential theft.
🔎 Detailed Checks & Analysis
Domain and SSL status
Domain and SSL status
"SSL issued by WE2 is valid and current, confirming secure connections to the domain."
Reason: Valid SSL certificates issued and domain hosted on Google's infrastructure.
Blacklist and malware checks
Blacklist and malware checks
"Domain is clear of any security blocking or malware flags."
Reason: No blacklist or malware detections on Google Safe Browsing or crypto scam lists.
Reputation and reviews
Reputation and reviews
"Phishing scams exploit links but do not implicate the domain's official status."
Reason: No credible reports label the domain fraudulent; it is recognized as official Google service.
Legal and compliance status
Legal and compliance status
"No major unresolved legal issues that affect domain's legitimacy."
Reason: Legal disputes on biometric data were resolved in Google's favor with no ongoing litigation.
Your Next Steps
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1Do not click on unexpected or suspicious Google Photos sharing links without verifying the sender.
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2Use official Google Photos app or website to access shared albums rather than links received in unsolicited messages.
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3Enable two-factor authentication on your Google account to protect against credential theft.
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4Report any suspected phishing attempts impersonating Google Photos to Google and cybersecurity authorities.
Evidence & Citations
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Google Photos sharing scam aims to steal your credentials
Details phishing scams using photos.app.goo.gl links to steal Google credentials.
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ScamMinder report on photos.app.goo.gl
Confirms photos.app.goo.gl is a legitimate and secure Google domain.
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Google defeated biometric privacy lawsuit over Google Photos
Legal case concerning Google Photos biometric data features.
🕵🏻 Keep investigating
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