Internet shoppers beware! A new e-mail scam is circulating, using your Better Business Bureau's name to gain false credibility and collect new customers under false pretences.
These days, deceitful Internet sellers will go to great lengths to secure business; they will even manufacture a fake e-mail pretending to be from your BBB.
Touting non-existent terms like 'BBB Protection Program,' 'BBB Purchase Protection Program' and 'BBB Customer Support, Purchase Protection Program,' the e-mail's intent is clear: Trick the recipient into thinking that the e-mail was authored by BBB. Local consumers have contacted your Better Business Bureau unnerved by the deception.
The most recent version of a BBB fraudulent email is below.
"BBB Accredited Businesses are honest and ethical businesses that commit to trustworthy marketplace behavior," said Robert. W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. "Fraudulent businesses will often use BBB's name without permission and falsely claim accreditation with BBB to try and make consumers trust them."
BBB advises consumers to be cautious:
- Do research on the company or the seller before making a purchase. Be skeptical if your search yields negative results.
- Beware of dishonest businesses that claim false affiliation with BBB. Always check their BBB Reliability Report at www.bbb.org or contact BBB by phone to verify BBB Accreditation. If a company is not BBB Accredited, but claims to be, do business elsewhere.
- BBB asks anyone who receives this e-mail, or a similar one, to report it to BBB immediately at 206.431.2222 or e-mail info@thebbb.org.
- Remember, BBB does not accredit individuals, only registered businesses.
Scammers often claim affiliation or use the names of banks, government entities and other legitimate organizations to trick consumers. Fake e-mails often are designed to harm your computer: Avoid clicking on active links or opening attachments on e-mails that appear fraudulent or come from a sender you don't know. Report suspicious e-mails to the FBI at the Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses. The BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.