BBB Alert: Fraudsters angling to catch big cash rewards via bogus “customer service” letters are phishing to steal Big-Box store shoppers’ identity. Beware of scammers aiming to secure financial information, customer passwords and account numbers by impersonating a trusted organization. Don’t get caught! (PN File Photo)
That friendly customer service letter, text or email from a favorite big-box store could be fake, especially if it asks for your personal financial account numbers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says Big-Box store shoppers are getting bogus customer service messages which will cost them big-time.
“Scammers want shoppers’ Social Security, credit card, and bank account numbers plus private info details,” says Naperville resident Steve J. Bernas, BBB president and CEO. “It’s all designed to steal your money and identity.”
In fact, Costco’s customer service website lists more than 30 types of scams operating right now.
Bernas notes, “Busy shoppers need to be on high alert for messages and phony social media ads. These are very appealing, with enticing giveaways, special rewards, membership exclusive offers and fake surveys.”
AI copycat websites look exceedingly realistic. “Don’t take the bait,” adds Bernas.
BBB Tips aim to help avoid scams
• Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown emails. These may be a scam, and they will try to download malware onto your computer and/or steal your personal information.
• If you receive an unsolicited email, do not take it at face value. Scammers frequently send out mass emails that include little personal information. If the email does not address you by name or contain any other identifying personal information, be cautious.
• Links can be spoofed. A link might say “Costco.com,” but in reality, the link will take you to something totally different, like “badsite.malware4u dot com.” That could be dangerous. Before you click ANY links, hover your mouse over them to see the actual URL (uniform resource locator) and where the link will take you.
• Go directly to the source. If you frequently get emails from your favorite shopping sites, letting you know about a huge sale, do not click on a link in that email. Instead, go directly to the source. Never click the link in any emails that pop into your inbox.
Find much more information dealing with bogus promotions
If you’ve encountered a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Visit BBB.org or follow us @ChicagoBBB on social media. Look for the BBB seal, The Sign of a Better Business.
Editor’s Note / Note that Naperville is home to two popular Costco locations where the community shops. Perhaps the image of two big fish caught in May Watts Pond will emphasize the need to avoid bogus deals by scammers from all “Big Box” stores.
For more than 20 years, this publication has been alerting the community about scams. Click here to find dozens of stories about fraudsters that appear to become trickier by the day. Thank you for paying attention. Stay safe.
