Media contact: Janet C. Hart, APR, CFEE (704) 927-8617 office
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Scammers have sent out another wave of fake "BBB" emails today. The BBB's name and logo have been used in fake BBB phishing emails and the BBB warns you to be careful about clicking on links or downloading attachments if the content of the "BBB" email appears suspicious.
The scammers have sent, and are continuing to send, millions of emails out claiming to be from the BBB. The emails look real because they contain the BBB's logo.
Many businesses, locally and across the country, report receiving emails from the fake BBB with a link or an attachment that includes a complaint to be reviewed. These emails may also state state that the BBB needs additonal information on the business or that the company's Accreditation is going to be 'aborted'.
The email instructs the business to open the attachment or click on a link to review the complaint and respond to it.
The primary red flags in the emails are:
· The web address for the link in the email does not contain the BBB's domain name - ___.bbb.org
· The grammar in the email is worded awkwardly.
· The address in the email is not from the local BBB that serves their area.
If you receive similar emails, the BBB has this advice:
· Do not open any attachments or click on any links in the email because you could download a virus. Instead, forward the email to phishing@council.bbb.org so that the BBB can investigate its origin.
· Delete the email from your inbox and your junk mail and deleted items folders.
· Run your anti-virus software to scan your computer system for viruses that the email may have planted in your computer to find bank account and credit card information.
· Review your bank accounts and credit card statements frequently to check for unauthorized charges.
“We’ve heard from dozens of businesses in the Charlotte area that have received these emails,” said BBB President Tom Bartholomy. “These businesses were suspicious of the emails and deleted them.”
“Now, the BBB is encouraging anyone who receives these emails to run their anti-virus software to scan their computer system for viruses.”
For more information, please call the BBB at (704) 927-8611 or visit www.bbb.org.
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