Consumer Alert: Email Phishing Scams Escalate ROCKFORD, IL – December 16, 2014 – Between now and Christmas Eve consumers will make millions of online transactions. This traffic has cyber-criminals prepped and ready to pounce. For each legitimate confirmation email that will be sent by online retailers, there will be just as many that are fraudulent. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is issuing an alert to consumers warning of “phishing” scam emails that may hit their inboxes. “The scammers target individuals posing as major online sellers like Amazon, eBay and airlines,” says Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau. “Because consumers are anxious to receive confirmation of their purchases, they more easily fall into the trap of opening phishing and other malicious emails.” The criminals are out to get personal and financial information to use for identity theft and other illegal activities. As an example the Amazon phishing emails have a subject of “Your order on Amazon” and return address of “amazon” and use actual Amazon graphics making them appear real. The email also has an attachment that when opened, installs a Trojan virus that creates a process that will harvest banking information, email logins and social media accounts. Horton also suggests employers warn their employees not to open attachments from major retail sites. “Trying to stay ahead of their Christmas shopping employees try to get some purchases done during the work day. However, doing so can put your company at risk for a security breach. Because it’s difficult to monitor this kind of activity it’s important to make sure you company’s computers have reliable email filters that will prevent spam, protect inboxes and check for suspicious content.” Here are some tips you can use to avoid becoming a victim of a cyber-crime: • If you are expecting a confirmation receipt, log into your account and check for confirmation there. • Be cautious of emails that contain attached files. • Don’t respond to unsolicited emails. • Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails. • Avoid filling out forms contained in email messages asking for personal information. • Make sure that all links in an email match. • If you are requested to act quickly or are told that there is an emergency it may be a scam. • Install anti-virus software and keep it up to date. • Install a personal firewall and keep it up to date. If you might have been tricked by a phishing email: • File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint. • Visit the FTC’s Identity Theft website. Victims of phishing could become victims of identity theft; there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. • Forward phishing emails to [email protected] – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the email. For more information on scams, visit bbb.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 13:53:01 +0000
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