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[–]cdm9002 554 points555 points  (0 children)

Be careful, I've had something like this before. that was a scam. The email was sent through a Google sites webapp so appeared to be from Google, but the link to the subpoena is malware.

[–]djt-5150 339 points340 points  (46 children)

To rule out a scam, contact Google (legal if possible), and verify the mail.

[–]Dull-Advertising-192[S] 108 points109 points  (45 children)

I did contact them but haven’t heard back yet. This is what the bottom half of the email said in regards to reaching out:

For more information about how Google handles legal processes, view our transparency report at http://www.google.com/transparencyreport/userdatarequests/legalprocess/.

Google is not in a position to provide you with legal advice or discuss the substance of the legal process. If you have other questions regarding this matter, you may wish to contact an attorney.

Reply directly to this email in any further communications regarding this matter. Any communications not sent as a direct reply to this email must contain the subject line “Attention Google Legal Investigations Support,” reference the case identification number, and be sent to usernotice@google.com in order to ensure the appropriate routing and processing.

Regards,
Legal Investigations Support
Google LLC

[–]Mediocre-Clue-9071 332 points333 points  (16 children)

That last paragraph screams scam. They tell you only to reply to the email because they don't want you to reach out to Google to find out it's a scam.

[–]fergy80 42 points43 points  (11 children)

I don't think that's what it says. It says if you send it another way that you have to reference the case number in the email subject.

[–]Mr_Badgey 71 points72 points  (1 child)

It’s a real form letter and account Google sends in response to a subpoena. The cases tend to be sealed so the notices often come several years later after the court order is lifted. If it came from the official usernotice account then it’s likely real. Official emails often get spoofed though so caution is still warranted.

You have a case number so you should be able to look it up through the court. That would be the easiest way to verify it. I think you can look up the case details through PACER?

[–]LEONotTheLion 4 points5 points  (0 children)

PACER like won’t have anything if no one has been charged.

[–]Dangerous_Proof_820 28 points29 points  (0 children)

also do not contact back from email or links in the message lookup contact contact info

[–]AbjectMaelstrom 9 points10 points  (5 children)

Why is the Google address provided an http vs. https?

[–]PM-ME-PIERCED-NIPS 1 point2 points  (4 children)

Why would it be an https page? It's just a help FAQ, you're not sending credentials and having it as an ssl page limits the number of people who can use it. The cipher toolkits update relatively frequently, computers and software out of support can no longer update and server packages drop support for older, less robust encryption ciphers and older systems can no longer use those pages. Help pages should be accessible to all and contain no private information, overly paranoid security does in fact come with a downside and here they've chosen to avoid that. And I'd consider that choice a rational one.

[–]AbjectMaelstrom 0 points1 point  (3 children)

That's cool.

Here is my retort. Is the legitimate Google transparency report page http?

[–]PM-ME-PIERCED-NIPS 1 point2 points  (2 children)

It's both. The help pages are specifically kept accessible on both protocols. Modern browsers are aware both sites exist and will upgrade your connection to https, older browsers that don't support the current ssl ciphers will continue to use the http pages.

[–]DFN29 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Today i learned thanks for explaining

[–]PM-ME-PIERCED-NIPS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sure! If you're interested in the actual mechanism it's called https-first. There's a bunch of write ups from the major browsers and tech sites about how it works and why:

https://blog.chromium.org/2023/08/towards-https-by-default.html

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/https-first

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/secure-your-web-browsing-with-https-first-mode-in-microsoft-edge

[–]Killawatts13 12 points13 points  (1 child)

Please post the From email

[–]ioioooi 14 points15 points  (3 children)

LLC huh

[–]BirdMore9261 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Something I learned if u hover over the link and the link changes it’s a scam, also look at the name the email comes from fbi wouldn’t email u they would just take your shit

[–]lemonscent513 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No it’s 100% legit. I have access to my exs gmail account while he’s incarcerated(mainly for those annoying two factor codes lol) and when they subpoenaed his account the letter said the exact same thing(different agency).

[–]Professional-Salt727 88 points89 points  (3 children)

I'm not an attorney and this isn't legal advice, but I say don't worry.

Since it's a federal court case, you usually would be able to go on the PACER system and look up the case by number. However, grand jury subpoenas and related pre-indictment special proceedings are typically sealed and will not appear in public searches. The AO number tells you the type of subpoena. Given they were looking for records, it likely was an AO88B that was served on Google.

When federal agencies execute a targeted warrant on a primary suspect's main Google account, they typically execute physical search warrants or arrest warrants before or around the time the data is seized to prevent the destruction of evidence. Since this request was fulfilled mid-2023 and years have passed without federal agents knocking on your door, it strongly indicates you were not the focal point of the investigation.

[–]Professional-Salt727 40 points41 points  (1 child)

To further add: Invesgiators often use broad legal demands like geofence warrants by requesting data for all devices in a specific physical radius at a specific time or IP address sweeps (demanding records of everyone who visited a specific domain or communicated with a target).

If your device happened to be in the vicinity of an incident under investigation or if your email was on a compromised mailing list, your metadata would automatically be included in Google's disclosure batch.

[–]GravyeonBell 42 points43 points  (0 children)

OP also noted they are from DC and that the case was opened in 2021. If they happened to be within half a mile of the capitol on January 5th or 6th there were a looooot of geofence/legal returns requested for that area then, for obvious reasons.

[–]Thek1tteh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

An AO88B is for a civil action, not a criminal action.

https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/ao088b.pdf

You may be correct that it is an AO form, but criminal proceedings will not use a civil subpoena. If it was a subpoena in a criminal action, it is an AO89B

[–]aaronw22 102 points103 points  (8 children)

These are legit. Sometimes the FBI request will be something like “show me all cell phones that were active within 1000 feet of X location on Y date”lunar Z time”. You were caught up in the sweep, presumably checked and then discarded. You don’t need to do anything

[–]Notthatandy 23 points24 points  (3 children)

This particular type of warrant, usually known as a geofence warrant has been recently ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in the US. The case is Chatrie vs the US, and was decided 6-3 in June of 2026. With specific regards to Google, they have largely been irrelevant for the last 3 years or so since your location history was moved from Google Server side to your devices. If a warrant like that was presented to Google anytime in the last few years, the response would be that they don’t have the information.

[–]eodtek 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Geofence warrants were not ruled unconstitutional. If you’re going to cite Chatrie, please at least read it.

[–]pfc9769 12 points13 points  (1 child)

I got one of these and it was related to a subpoena that had a bunch of email addresses including mine. I never found out what it was for exactly and nothing ever came of it. So I can at least confirm Google does send out these form letters.

[–]Left-Literature-7543 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This sounds useful. This should not be a comment of a comment. You should reply directly to the post.

[–]Any-Schedule8011 77 points78 points  (6 children)

I've gotten this from Google before but I only got it well after being arrested. Like several months later.

So from my own experience I think this means you were under investigation for some reason but they concluded that without charges. I cannot guarantee this but it's what makes sense from my own experience.

[–]Competitive-Weird-10 14 points15 points  (5 children)

Are you serious?

[–]LavishnessCapital380 37 points38 points  (3 children)

My understanding is they cant inform you until the investigation is closed.

[–]Dull-Advertising-192[S] 9 points10 points  (2 children)

Is there a way to find out what they were investigating?

[–]Thelongestguy 22 points23 points  (1 child)

if there's a federal case and you have the number you can search it via PACER

[–]eyeonchi 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Only cases where doj indicted a suspect would be in pacer. If it's an ongoing investigation pre-indictment of a closed investigation that never resulted in an indictment, there are no records in pacer.

[–]edward_glock40_hands 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nah he's just jokin your ass!

But no, seriously, OP needs to fess up to what he did. These are real. 😂 I will confirm as well.

[–]eodtek 18 points19 points  (0 children)

In 2021 the FBI submitted one of the largest Geofence warrants ever in relation to the Jan 6 case (the Capitol and the pipe bombs). IF you were near those locations, on Jan 5 or 6, it may very well be related to that.

[–]Graham110 9 points10 points  (0 children)

It's possible you could have gotten this because you happened to be in a certain area at a certain time. Nothing to do with you specifically.

[–][deleted]  (6 children)

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    [–][deleted]  (4 children)

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      [–][deleted]  (2 children)

      [removed]

        [–]legaladvice-ModTeam[M] 1 point2 points locked comment (0 children)

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        [–]Baww18 7 points8 points  (0 children)

        Why do people think this is a scam - they aren’t asking for anything. As a former prosecutor when we got account data we would always get an order directing the provider to not inform the account holder for x time. It’s standard practice.

        [–]DeadPiratePiggy 6 points7 points  (0 children)

        These emails are legitimate, service providers can be served a search warrant that has a no notification period. Google receives hundreds if not thousands of such legal requests a month. If everything is sealed you can assume the case is ongoing, there's not much to do here unless you receive a visit from the FBI. If that happens only answer questions that establish your identity (name, DOB, SSN, address, etc), then politely but firmly request an attorney before you make any statements then shut your yap. Don't make polite conversation or small talk as that can be interpreted as you resuming the conversation at which point anything you say can and will be used against you no matter how small or inconsequential. They may occur never or could occur a year plus down the road, there is a reason the feds have such a high conviction rate. They will wait years building a case until they're absolutely ready.

        [–]shawnzy 5 points6 points  (1 child)

        Can confirm, I’ve gotten one of these exact notices and it was during an investigation I knew of. I got this email a year later after a required gag order was no longer in effect.

        Mine happened June 2023 and I got the notice in 2024.

        [–]Dull-Advertising-192[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

        Do you mind sharing if you were the target of the investigation or if you were associated with someone who was being investigated?

        [–]SuchDogeHodler 3 points4 points  (0 children)

        Those dates correspond to evidence collected from J6......

        I don't think you need to worry... the data was collected in 2023.... if they were going to do something they would have done it by now.

        Look up the grand jury case number... if it's closed, then your good.

        [–]Dack_Blick 13 points14 points  (2 children)

        Have you done anything illegal using your Google/YouTube/Gmail accounts? 

        Have you been hacked at some point, a virus on your computer, or a compromised password? Check your email addresses with https://haveibeenpwned.com/ That is not a definitive answer, but it will let you know if there is an obvious issue. 

        [–]Dull-Advertising-192[S] 9 points10 points  (1 child)

        Nothing illegal. I have received a comprised password alert in the past but not sure if it was within this timeframe or not

        [–]pfc9769 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        Ive gotten one of these before. Confirmed it was real and nothing came of it. The fact the case was years ago means this wasn’t about you specifically. Probably
        Someone you had contact with or a site you accessed.

        [–]mfiasco 5 points6 points  (0 children)

        Keep in mind that you do not have to be guilty of a crime to attract the attention of the state. You can be targeted specifically despite breaking no laws. You can also be targeted tangentially because you’re close to someone else who they are interested in.

        Most likely it’s the latter, assuming you’re not involved in any resistance work or otherwise drawing attention to yourself. You were searched and discarded.

        Talk to a lawyer if you want.

        [–]AAAIIIYYYAAA 12 points13 points  (1 child)

        It’s real. You can reply back and they’ll give you the docs. I had one maybe 2 years ago.. Court docs didn’t say much other than being included with hundreds of other email’s

        [–]Dull-Advertising-192[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Did you ever find out what the investigation was?

        [–][deleted]  (1 child)

        [removed]

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          [–]SuccessfulInternal40 1 point2 points  (3 children)

          Wasn't there something similar posted here a while back? (Can't remember the time frame.. maybe a year or something like that?)

          [–]lemonscent513 1 point2 points  (2 children)

          Yes. It was a few months ago but for the NY State Office of the Attorney General.

          [–]SuccessfulInternal40 1 point2 points  (1 child)

          Yeah it was exactly that one I was thinking about! Thanks!

          [–]lemonscent513 0 points1 point  (0 children)

          You’re welcome!

          [–]RicooC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

          I would dismiss it. Sounds like BS. Legal authorities will contact you if they need you, not google.

          [–][deleted]  (1 child)

          [removed]

            [–]legaladvice-ModTeam[M] 0 points1 point locked comment (0 children)

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            [–]jjamesr539 2 points3 points  (0 children)

            This is one of those things where if it affects you specifically, you already know why. Usually these pertain to another person that had contact with you at some point through your email.

            [–]cheweychewchew 1 point2 points  (0 children)

            This is bs. If you're under criminal investigation from the FBI to the point where there is a sealed indictment being reviewed by a grand jury and they've subpoened your gmail, do you really think that Google is gonna be the one to break it to you? You being the one with out even a speeding ticket?

            Cmon now. This is an obvious scam.

            [–]goldwaterauhtwoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

            You tell them to fuck all the way off unless they have a warrant

            [–]ConversationAfraid97 0 points1 point  (2 children)

            A real one provides you with a pdf/scan of the original subpoena and a list of email addresses etc

            Source: I’ve had one or two

            [–]Dull-Advertising-192[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

            Google just sent the subpoena with a list of redacted email addresses. Did you ever find out what they were investigating?

            [–]ConversationAfraid97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

            No I couldn’t be bothered to find out, if cops didn’t kick down ur door before the gag order expired ur all good

            [–]ancora_impara 0 points1 point  (0 children)

            Location: DC answers this

            [–]KeyHedgehog8948 0 points1 point  (0 children)

            im not sure how Google would know or care or be able to follow up on a subpoena to first, not notify you, and then somehow know that a sealed case is now "able to be shared". seems weird.

            [–]Impossible_Fix_995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

            FBI is known to send demand letters to companies without warrants. I recommend listening to this darknet diaries episode/podcast about it: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5YxwcAQOOu0Al3wVRHJ4IN?si=eEOc1yJLQ5Wc43UDH4OEHw&utm_source=copy-link&sci=spotify%3Acard-config%3A5HiE2onyKnAlWrJ2iE058E

            [–]AssSpelunkingAtheist 0 points1 point  (1 child)

            Anything official would be sent in the mail. A subpoena would likely be hand delivered to you or sent certified mail. Do not do anything else with this email.

            [–]Purple_Strawberry_99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

            Once you’re not panicking read just the part you copied again. The verbiage is nothing coming out of Seattle. Compelled?? Legal process?? Google is a verb, the company is actually called Alphabet…there’s so much fake about this. I think you’re ok, unless you clicked that link.

            [–]PassengerStreet8791 0 points1 point  (1 child)

            When you hit reply what’s the email that shows up on the To line?

            [–]GrapefruitNice3290 0 points1 point  (1 child)

            The biggest clue is always in the FROM email address.

            Post the email address that the email came from and let’s take a look!

            [–][deleted]  (1 child)

            [removed]

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              [–]EssTEye -1 points0 points  (0 children)

              I would repost this to r/scammers.

              [–]OldComfortable6644 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

              Scam lol

              [–]Interesting-Plane300 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

              scam.. there is no Google LLC

              [–]HauntingStatement428 -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

              More than likely a scam.

              [–]JJames2026 -5 points-4 points  (1 child)

              It’s a scam . Google wouldn’t notify you , they work closely with law enforcement. They are on the same team as them… Lastly why are you nervous ? If you are committing criminal acts just stop. Don’t be a scumbag. Obey the damn law. And you have nothing to worry about . Simple as that

              [–]Littlest_viking 0 points1 point  (0 children)

              That is not entirely true. Most companies require a notice to account holders of law enforcement subpoenas or search warrants. Unless they can explain in front of a judge that disclosure who negatively impact the case.

              [–]MathyArt -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

              The government and the FBI prefers on-paper/in-person way of notifying, especially about any seizures. And they already have all you data anyway. It's safe to ignore. Of you want a peace of mind, make inquiries (which you already did), but never use links/contact info in the email. 

              [–]RedRocket2025 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

              Contact FBI fraud department

              [–]illtww -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

              popp

              [–]LoneWolfAMG -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

              This is very likely to be a scam. Especially because they tell you to only reply directly to that email.

              [–]___dreamcatcher___ -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

              The link is http, a sure 100% scam.

              [–]ar0nic -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

              Scam FBI doesn't send letters like this.

              [–][deleted]  (1 child)

              [removed]

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