BBB nationwide has received reports from thousands of businesses that they have received fake BBB complaint emails that contain malware. Stay wary; these scammers have been persistent! Here’s what you need to know:
• This is phishing scam by criminals that began in late 2011.
• The email addresses are not obtained from any BBB database. BBB has not been hacked.
• Federal Law Enforcement is investigating.
• BBB suggests you delete the email.
• If you clicked on any links in the email, BBB suggests you run a virus scan.
Below are examples of phishing scams that have been spreading nationwide.
Reported on 3/13/2012
BBB has received notifications from businesses that they are receiving the below email from BBB regarding a BBB complaint activity report.
THIS IS A SCAM
Below is an example of the email:
Subject: BBB complaint activity report
Hello,
Here with the Better Business Bureau informs you that we have been sent a complaint (ID 56957213) from a customer of yours in regard to their dealership with you.
Please open the COMPLAINT REPORT below to obtain the details on this issue and inform us about your opinion as soon as possible.
We hope to hear from you shortly.
Sincerely,
Theresa Morris
Dispute Counselor
Better Business Bureau
Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277
Reported on 3/8/2012
BBB has received notifications from businesses that they are receiving the below email from BBB regarding the IRS.
THIS IS A SCAM
Below is an example of the email:
Subject: Your tax return appeal is declined.
Dear Chief Accountant Officer,
Hereby you are notified that your Tax Appeal id#5108259 has been DECLINED. If you consider that the IRS did not properly assess your case due to a misunderstanding of the situation, be prepared to clarify and support your position. You can access the rejection details and re-submit your appeal using the following link Online Tax Appeal.
Internal Revenue Service
Telephone Assistance for Businesses:
Toll-Free, 1-800-829-4933
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. your local time (Alaska & Hawaii follow Pacific Time).
Reported on 3/5/2012
BBB has received notifications from businesses that they are receiving the below email regarding BBB complaints.
THIS IS A SCAM
Below is an example of the email:
Subject: Your company is accused of illegal financial transactions.
Business Owner/Manager,
One of your customers has submitted a complaint with The Better Business Bureau regarding the negative experience he had with your company. The consumer complaint is inserted below. Please file your feedback to this matter as within 14 days. The fastest way to submit your response is via the Online Complaint system. Please follow this Internet address to evaluate the above-mentioned customer complaint and submit your response to it:
BBB complaint center
Use the following data to login:
Case ID: #4943307
Password: 37010
The Better Business Bureau acts in the role of a a neutral third party, and helps you resolve your customer disputes impartially and on mutually beneficial terms. We develop and maintain online Reliability reports on American companies, open to the Public and used by millions of business customers. A positive customer report can have a pronounced positive impact on your business.
We hope for your immediate attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Paul Luna
Dispute Counselor
Reported on 2/16/2012
BBB has received notifications from businesses that they are receiving the below email regarding BBB complaints.
THIS IS A SCAM
Below is an example of the email:
Good afternoon,
Here with the Better Business Bureau notifies you that we have been filed a complaint (ID 13119751) from one of your customers with respect to their dealership with you.
Please open the COMPLAINT REPORT below to find more information on this matter and suggest us about your opinion as soon as possible.
We hope to hear from you very soon.
Sincerely,
Carlos Baxter
Dispute Counselor
Better Business Bureau
BBB has updated its advice and recommends the following to anyone who receives the email:
• Do not to open any attachments
• Do not click on any links
• Delete the email from your inbox, and then delete it again from your trash or recycling folder
• Run a full system scan using reputable virus software
The purpose of fake messages is to trick businesses and consumers into providing the following personal information:
• Name and username.
• Address and phone number.
• Password or PIN.
• Bank account number.
• ATM/debit or credit card number.
• Credit card validation code (CVC) or card verification value (CVV).
• Social security number (SSN).
Never give out any of your personal information to strangers who contact you. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your local BBB at 509-455-4200.
