BBB Warns Against Amazon Scam
Computer users all over the nation woke up with a bogus email in their inbox this morning and the target this time is Amazon.
Scammers are looking to harvest your personal information by asking you to click on a link inside the message, which looks exactly like a purchase confirmation notice.
The mastermind behind this scam has really gone all out to make these deceptive emails appear to be legitimate messages from Amazon, even replicating shipping confirmation numbers and adding an estimated delivery date. If you click on any of the links inside, you’re opening up your computer to a virus threat and putting your personal information in jeopardy.
The emails look innocent enough, showing your recent purchase confirmation. Maybe you open it thinking your spouse or child bought something with your card, but then virus warnings start popping up and your computer slows down.
Robb Hicken with the Better Business Bureau in Boise said it’s just another method scammers are using to get information on you.
“We do think it has gone nationwide because our other BBB affliliates have picked up on the scam alert and have sent it out throughout their bureaus as well,” said Hicken.
Hicken said these emails are similar to phony messages supposedly from Chase bank, sent out over the past few months.
“We’re hoping that we catch this thing in time before it gets too big,” said Hicken.
So, what is the best way to avoid falling into the dreaded phishing scam? According to the BBB:
– Go directly to the company website or call Amazon instead of following links in the email. – Never give out personal or financial information to someone you don’t know. If you’ve done business with Amazon before, they will have all of that stored.
David Scott, with the Geek Squad in Idaho Falls, said purchasing strong virus protection for your computer is key. But if you haven’t yet, there is still hope.
“If you do happen to get a virus, it’s best to take it to a professional,” said Scott.
The BBB said they don’t know who is behind the faux emails from Amazon, but you can find more red flag warnings for scams by following this link.
