BBB Scam Alerts for December 2011

Dec. 30, 2011 - PRLog -- RALEIGH, N.C. (December 30, 2011) — 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 has been alerted that consumers are receiving calls from scam artists who claim that there is a virus on the consumer’s computer. The scam artists tell the consumer that they can fix the virus and requests upfront payment. Consumers allege that the scam artists use high pressure tactics and make it difficult for the consumer to end the conversation. BBB reminds consumers to never provide any credit card information or other personal information to an unknown caller.

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 has been alerted that senior citizens are receiving official-looking, end-of-year mailings that appear to concern Medicare benefits. The postcard-size mailing is actually from a private firm that appears to be building lead lists for sellers of insurance products. BBB cautions consumers that filling out the mailing will likely result in telemarketing calls, visits from sales agents or invitations to estate planning presentations.

About the BBB serving Eastern North Carolina
Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 33 counties in eastern North Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by BBB Accredited Business fees from more than 3,000 local businesses and professional firms. BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by BBB include reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, consumer/business education programs and dispute resolution services. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit bbb.org.