Phishing emails target unwary shoppers with a post-holiday offer
Don’t take unsolicited emails at face value. Scammers often send out mass emails that contain little or no personal information.
The holiday shopping season may be over, but scammers aren’t calling it quits yet.
Con artists are sending phony emails and texts that look like messages from major retailers instructing you to redeem the reward points accrued during your holiday shopping.
Be sure to just hit “delete” on these phishing messages.
The scam follows a similar pattern. You receive an unsolicited email or text message that appears to be from a major retailer.
The Better Business Bureau has seen scammers use the names of Amazon, Kohl’s and Costco, etc., but any company can be spoofed. The subject line reads something like “You Have a New Reward to Claim!”
You open the message, and it looks real. There’s the company logo, colors, and a link to claim the reward points or gift from your recent holiday shopping.
As curious as you may be, don’t fall for it. Scammers hide malware in these email links or attachments. When you click, they can gain access to your computer and steal your sensitive personal information.
The BBB has also seen these phishing scams pop up after other major shopping events.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston offers the following tips so consumers can avoid falling for email phishing scams:
• Never click on links or download attachments from unknown emails. Out-of-the-blue emails are often an attempt to download malware to your computer and/or steal your personal information. Even if an email seems to be from a trusted source, be wary and do not click on it, without verifying the legitimacy first, especially if it asks to confirm personal information for reasons such as your account is about to be closed, an order has been placed in your name, or your information is missing, etc.
• Don’t take unsolicited emails at face value. Scammers often send out mass emails that contain little or no personal information. If the email doesn’t mention you by name or include any personal information, be wary. Also, look for misspelled words, bad grammar and slightly altered web addresses.
• Hover on links to see their destination. Before clicking, place your mouse over links to discover their true destination. 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.
• Go to the source. Whenever possible, use the customer service information that was provided to you when you made your purchase, rather than searching online.
• Report the scam. If you receive a phony email from a retailer, help others avoid the same pitfall by filing a scam report at BBBHouston.org/ScamTracker.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include your mailing address and phone number.