Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - Better Business Bureau is warning businesses and consumers to beware of another malicious e-mail that pretends to be from BBB about a complaint filed against a company. This is the second attempt in two weeks that these fraudulent emails have flooded email inboxes
The BBB has been inundated with calls from local businesses and consumers across the US who have reported receiving a suspicious e-mail from the addresses alert@bbb.org, service@bbb.org, risk@bbb.org, admin@bbb.org, manager@bbb.org, info@bbb.org and risk.manager@bbb.org the subject line “BBB Complaint Case #” followed by a nine-digit number.
The body of the e-mail claims that the BBB received a complaint about the company from a consumer and includes a link that instructs to “click here” to supposedly respond to the complaint. The email appears to be sent from an individual by the name of Shawna Dennis with the BBB. There is no employee with that name who works for the Canton BBB.
BBB is NOT sending this Email!
If you are receiving this email, do nothing! This is a scam.
Because the message is fraudulent, BBB advises any business that receives this e-mail to take the following steps:
- Do not click on any links or reply to the message,
- Forward the message to phishing@council.bbb.org,
- Completely delete the message from your inbox, and
- Run a full virus scan on your computer if you did click on any links.
If you receive an e-mail from Better Business Bureau about a complaint filed against your business and need assistance in determining whether or not it is legitimate, contact your local BBB directly at www.canton.bbb.org or 800-362-0494.
For more advice on how to protect your business from malicious online attacks and data breaches visit www.bbb.org/data-security/
A copy of the actual e-mail follows:
From: ::Better Business Bureau:: [mailto:manager@bbb.org]
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2011 3:56 AM
To: marketing@houseplans.net
Subject: Re: BBB Case # 64168176
Hello,
The Better Business Bureau has been filed the above-referenced complaint from one of your customers regarding their dealings with you.
The detailed information about the consumer's concern is included in enclosed document.
Please review this problem and let us know about your point of view.
Please click here to respond this complaint.
We look forward to your prompt response.
Faithfully yours,
Shawna Dennis
Better Business Bureau
# # #
About BBB
BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than four million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.
