Phishing scams using Better Business Bureau name
he Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest has received several reports of scammers impersonating legitimate companies and government agencies, including using the Better Business Bureau name, as part of their email phishing scheme.
Some scam attempts are using the BBB Accredited Business logo and a fake email address, which is just one of many ways impostor schemes use the BBB brand.
“Phishing” is when someone receives a suspicious email, computer pop up message, social media message or call from a trusted company with the need to verify personal information.
As technology scams get more sophisticated and become harder to detect, consumers are being victimized by fraudsters disguising as someone claiming to be from an agency. Links that are clicked in messages can download a virus on a computer, phone or digital device to hunt for personal and sensitive data.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM A PHISHING ATTEMPT
Phishing attempts are difficult to identify as they often update their tactics and tell a story. Keep an eye out for generic greetings, grammatical errors, fake websites, unofficial sender names, over promotion of well-known companies, and directions to immediately verify personal information by clicking a link or opening an attachment.
To protect yourself:
• Use security software. Set computer software to update automatically so it can deal with any new security threats.
• Set up your mobile phone to update software automatically. These updates could give you critical protection against security threats.
• Use multi-factor authentication. Some accounts offer extra security by requiring two or more credentials to log in to your account. This is called multi-factor authentication.
• Contact any organization mentioned in the attempt directly. Do your own research, look up company websites and contact information to confirm they have sent what you
received.
• Don’t be intimidated. Scammers use intimidation tactics to pressure consumers to act quickly by wiring money, sending cash and gift cards or giving them personal
information.
For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website for details on “spotting scammy emails.” Report scams to https://bbb.org/ scamtracker.
Yuma-based John Hessinger is cYuommunity development director of the better business bureau serving the pacific Southwest. Contact him at john. hessinger@bbbcommunity.org or 928919-7940.