Contact:
Lisa Schiller,
Media Relations
Phone: 414- 847- 6055
Fax: 414-302- 0355
lschiller@wisconsin.bbb.org
Milwaukee, Wis. – Once Prime Day ends, scammers may just be getting started. Con artists have been known to send phony emails and texts that look like messages from major retailers, instructing you to redeem the reward points accrued during your shopping days. Just hit delete on these phishing messages!
What to look out for
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, Kohls 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 looks 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 and steal your sensitive personal information.
BBB has also seen these phishing scams pop up during the winter holidays and other major shopping events.
Avoid falling for email phishing scams
- 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 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. Be wary if the email doesn’t mention you or include any personal information.
- 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 provided when you made your purchase, rather than searching online.
For more information
Learn more about phishing scams at BBB.org/PhishingScam.
If you get a phony email from a retailer, help others avoid the same pitfall by filing a scam report at BBB.org/ScamTracker.
For an online version click here
For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.bbb.org/wisconsin, 414-847-6000 or 1-800-273-1002. Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following the Wisconsin BBB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2021, people turned to BBB more than 200 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 6.3 million businesses and Charity Reports on 25,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including BBB Serving Wisconsin which was founded in 1939 and serves the state of Wisconsin.
