The following is a consumer scam alert about Phishing email scams provided by the BBB® Serving Central and Northern Alberta.
Phishing is a term coined by computer hackers, who use e-mail to fish the Internet hoping to "hook" recipients into giving them logins, passwords and/or other sensitive information. In all these scams, the phisher first impersonates a legitimate company. In a typical scam, the phisher instructs recipients to click on a convenient link (e.g. a file or document number) to receive or provide information that can then be used by phishers to access the recipient's sensitive personal or business information.
The email reply address is fake, like those listed below. (Please note: the phishers are constantly changing their tactics but so far they have been using addresses similar to these.)
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idtheft@bbb.org
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operations@bbb.org
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complaints@bbb.org
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operations@bbb.org
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consumer-complaints@bbb.org
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complains-serv@bbb.org
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compl-srv@bbb.org
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complntscentercase@bbb.org
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fraud@bbb.org
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onlineidentitytheft@euro-viza.com
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BBB Online consumer-complaints@euro-viza.com
An actual example of a "phishing" e-mail using the BBB is provided below. Names and other forms of identifying information have been removed from the example.
For more examples of current email frauds and tips from BBB® about what to do about them click here.
Representative Sample of "Phishing" email
From: operations@bbb.org [mailto:operations@bbb.org]
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 6:06 AM
To: XXXX
Subject: BBB Case #263621205 - Complaint for XXXX
Dear Mr./Mrs. XXXX
You have received a complaint in regards to your business services. The complaint was filled by Mr. XXXX on 02/05/2007/ Use the link below to view the complaint details:
DOCUMENTS FOR CASE #263621205
Complaint Case Number: 263621205
Complaint Made by Consumer Mr. XXXX
Complaint Registered Against: Company XXXX
Date: 02/05/2007
Instructions on how to resolve this complaint as well as a copy of the original complaint can be obtained using the link below:
DOCUMENTS FOR CASE #263621205
Disputes involving consumer products and/or services may be arbitrated. Unless they directly relate to the contract that is the basis of this dispute, the following claims will be considered for arbitration only if all parties agree in writing that the arbitrator may consider them:
" Claims based on product liability;
" Claims for personal injuries;
" Claims that have been resolved by a previous court action, arbitration, or written agreement between the parties.
The decision as to whether your dispute or any part of it can be arbitrated rests solely with the BBB.
The BBB offers its members a binding arbitration service for disputes involving marketplace transactions. Arbitration is a convenient, civilized way to settle disputes quickly and fairly, without the costs associated with other legal options.