In an effort to keep
the public informed, Better Business
Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina offers monthly Scam Alerts:
An e-mail scam using BBB’s name
and logo continues to proliferate across North America.
Most of the e-mails carry the famous BBB torch logo and come with the subject
line “Complaint from your customers.” The e-mails have a link or an attachment
containing malicious phishing malware that steals information, often with
devastating results. BBB advises consumers to not click on any links or
attachments, and to delete the e-mail. It is also important to run a full
system scan using reputable virus software.
BBB warns consumers that
scam artists are making phone calls claiming to represent the National Do Not
Call Registry. According to DoNotCall.gov, “The calls claim to provide an
opportunity to sign up for the Registry. These calls are not coming from the
Registry or the Federal Trade Commission, and you should not respond to these
calls.” The National Do Not Call Registry gives consumers an opportunity to
limit the telemarketing calls they receive. BBB reminds consumers to not
provide personal information to unknown callers, including bank information,
Social Security numbers and contact information.
BBB warns job seekers to exercise
caution when searching for employment opportunities online, as scam artists are
placing fake employment opportunities on Web sites such as Craigslist. This
nationwide scam is an attempt to trick consumers into giving away their
personal information. BBB advises consumers to protect their personal
information, as job seekers should never provide their birth date or Social
Security number until they have verified that the position is legitimate.
BBB urges consumers to beware of a telephone scam related to overdue payday loans. Consumers are
receiving calls from people alleging to represent agencies, including the FBI
and law firms. The caller claims to be collecting debts from well-known
companies, but will not provide any information about the payday loan. The
caller also attempts to instill fear by threatening the consumer with jail time
and legal actions. The high-pressure collection tactics used by the
scammers have also evolved, as they are now making personal appearances at the
victim's place of employment or home. The scam artist claims to be serving the
victim with a court summons, but tells the victim that they could avoid going
to court if a debit card number is provided for repayment of the loan. BBB
advises consumers to contact local law enforcement agencies if you feel you are
in danger. It is also important to contact the three major credit bureaus to
request an alert be placed on your file. If you have received a legitimate loan
and want to verify that you do not have any outstanding obligation, contact the
company directly.
BBB has been alerted that
the American Institute of CPA’s name is being used in an e-mail phishing scam
that was sent to numerous individuals, including CPAs and members of the
general public. The e-mail incorporates an AICPA banner and references the recipient’s
possible involvement in unlawful income tax refund activity. The recipient is
instructed to click on a link to provide clarifying information. The
fraudulent e-mail is not from the AICPA and should be immediately deleted.
