Q. Why are BBB and other large organizations targeted for phishing email scams?
A. The Better Business Bureau name and logo are being fraudulently used by criminals in an on-going email phishing scam. The email looks like a complaint notice from BBB, but it contains links to malware that can infect your computer, steal passwords and open you up to identity theft.
BBB is working with law enforcement, as well as with a private deactivation firm, to stop this phishing attack and shut down as many criminal websites as possible. To date, BBB, at its own expense, has shut down more than 100 sites.
Always beware of any unsolicited or unexpected communications asking for personal information or telling you to download an attachment. These scams are “phishing” for your Social Security number, passwords, credit card information, or other personal details for use in identity theft. Don’t fall for the bait!
Here are the eight things you can do if you get a phishing email that looks like a BBB complaint: