Emails target shoppers with post-holiday offer

Emails target shoppers with post-holiday offer
                        

The holiday shopping season may be over, but scammers aren’t calling it quits. 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. BBB suggests just hitting delete on these phishing messages.

You receive an unsolicited email or text message that appears to be from a major retailer. BBB has seen scammers use the names of Amazon, Kohl's and Costco, 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 appears to be 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 or phone and steal your personal information.

BBB also has seen these phishing scams pop up after Amazon's Prime Day and other major shopping events.

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.

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.

Hover on links to see their destination. Before clicking, place your mouse over links to discover their true destination.

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.

Not sure? Ask! Your BBB is here to help you decide what’s real and what are scams. Give us a call before you make a decision, click a link or call that unknown person back.

Learn more about phishing scams at www.BBB.org/PhishingScam. To learn about other kinds of scams, go to www.BBB.org/ScamTips.

If you’ve gotten a phony email from a retailer, help others avoid the same pitfall by filing a scam report at www.BBB.org/ScamTracker.

Visit www.bbb.org/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, follow us on social media and more.


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