Better Business Bureau warns consumers to beware of unsolicited or unexpected communications asking consumers to provide personal information, download an attachment, or send money. Many of these communications are often from impostors masquerading as trustworthy businesses and organizations.
They may be “phishing” for Social Security numbers, passwords, credit card information, or other personal details for use in identity theft. They also may allege the consumer owes money for a delinquent account.
BBB offers consumers these tips to avoid phishing scams:
If something sounds suspicious, confirm it by calling the company directly or checking the company website. Don’t click on links in an unexpected email – type the URL for the company into your browser or do a web search to find the right website. Call a trusted phone number for the company other than one provided by the caller to verify the caller’s identity.
Don’t click, download, or open anything that comes from an anonymous sender. This is likely an attempt to gain access to your personal information or install malware on your computer.
Be cautious of generic emails. Scammers try to cast a wide net by including little or no specific information in their fake emails. Always be wary of unsolicited messages that don't contain your name, last digits of your account number or other personalizing information.
Be cautious at work. Some phishing scams specifically target CEOs, executives and managers in an effort to get company information or personal details on all employees of a company.
