This phishing scam sounds like an honest mistake, but it is not. The BBB scam tracker is receiving reports of fake emails that appear to be receipts for a new iPhone…. that you didn’t buy. The scammers are hoping that you will panic and contact them to fix the “error”.
how scam works
You receive an email saying that you bought a new iPhone, and your Amazon account, bank account or credit card will be charged. But you didn’t buy a new phone! Eager to reverse the charge, you call the customer service number included in the email. The email may also specifically say: “Didn’t make this purchase? Contact us…” or “If you believe you are receiving this message in error, contact us immediately.”
When you call the number, you speak to a helpful customer service representative who says they can fix the problem. However, you must take action just before posting the charge to your account.
A consumer reported the following: “I called the number to get a refund. I told them there were no purchases on my account for $999.00, and they told me it wouldn’t show up for 24 hours and so I needed to cancel it immediately.” The scammer asked the consumer as part of the refund process. Asked to download an app, when the consumer refused, the miscreants beat him up.
Con artists also told victims that their accounts had been hacked. In these cases, the “customer service representative” asked for credit card or bank information, claiming they needed it to cancel the sale. No matter what scammers say, don’t fall for it, Remember, thug artists often stand up for intimidation to deceive you.
How to Avoid Phishing Scams
- Double-check the sender’s email address. Phishing emails are usually designed to make it look like they come from a reputable source like your bank or Amazon. But check the sender’s email carefully to see if it is really from an official source.
- Check with your bank first for fees. If you receive an email claiming that you made the purchase, check your bank or credit card account. If there is no change, it is probably a scam. Do not contact scammers. Instead, delete the email and block the sender.
- Check the company’s website to verify the email claim. If the notice mentions the company’s website at department stores or online marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay, go directly to your account on the website using a trusted link in the email to verify the claim.
- Never click on suspicious links. It’s best not to click on links in unsolicited emails you receive from unknown senders. These links may download malware to your computer or mobile device, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft.
Source: BBB.org
Learn how to identify fake emails. Become a skilled scam spotter by visiting BBB.org/SpotaScam and Report any suspicious activity to BBB.org/ScamTracker,To find trustworthy businesses, visit https://www.bbb.org.
