Archive for the ‘Better Business Bureau’ Category

BBB Free Shredding Event

Saturday, October 23, 2010

7:00 AM – Noon

Tyler Center Shopping Cent in the Kroger parking lot

12611 Taylorsville Road

Your local Better Business Bureau and Consumer Credit Counseling Services are encouraging consumers to fight identity theft by taking part in the 3^rd Annual Protect Your Identity Week (PYIW), October 17 – 23.

Part of the week will include a FREE local shredding event, sponsored by your BBB, Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Cintas, and Kroger. The event will be held Saturday, October 23, 2010, from 7 am to Noon at 12611 Taylorsville Road, in the Tyler Center Shopping Center, in the Kroger parking lot. Cintas Corporation, national shredding partner for PYIW, will provide the FREE shredding. Consumers are allowed to shred up to 3 large boxes or bags of documents for free. Workers can remove the items from the vehicle. Consumers don’t even have to get out of their cars!

Consumers are encouraged to drop of any documents that contain bank account numbers, social security numbers, birth dates, or pin numbers.

Identity theft continues to be a growing problem; the number of victims in the U.S. reached $11.1 million in 2009, a 12.5 percent increase over the previous year, according to Javelin Strategy and Research. Threats abound both online and offline and no one is completely safe, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself against identity theft and limit the damage.

Identity Theft Tips

• Do not keep Social-Security card in wallet or purse
• Do not put bills or checks in home mailbox for pickup
• Check credit reports, bank statements and credit-card statements often for irregularities
• Shred all documents with personal information
• Never give personal information to someone on phone, internet or email claiming to be your bank.
• Do not store credit-card number on shopping websites

More tips can be found at www.ProtectYourIDNow.org.

“Fighting identity theft is a constant battle,” says Reanna Smith-Hamblin, VP/Communications, for the BBB/Louisville. “We are all potential victims, so it’s important that we all take steps to fight identity theft, and Protect Your Identity Week is a great place to start. You can participate in a free shredding event to protect yourself now.”

The shredding event, to be held October 23, 2010 will also include cell phone recycling. Thieves have been ramping up their efforts to steal personal information through electronic devices. This drop-box will offer consumers a safe way to dispose of old cell phones. There will be no charge for this service. Wireless Alliance will remove content from the phones, but consumers can also remove their data. For instructions on how to erase data, go to www.recellular.com/recycling/data_eraser/.

1. LinkedIn can be a successful tool for employees and employers. However, the BBB advises against opening email messages for contact requests before logging into your LinkedIn account. Some requests are accompanied by a link that navigates the user away from the site to a page that says “PLEASE WAITING.”  The user is taken to Google, but during transfer, the user’s computer gets infected with malware, which can steal passwords. BBB recommends logging into your LinkedIn account to view your Inbox.

2. Kentucky Lottery Scam: A local consumer received a call from a scammer pretending to be with the KY Lottery, informing them they have won the lottery. The caller is then asked to send $325 in order to claim the prize money. The BBB warns consumers to always check thoroughly before sending money upfront to anyone claiming to be awarding a monetary prize that seems too-good-to-be-true.

3. Businesses Beware! The Internal Revenue Service issued an alert to warn businesses and consumers about an IRS e-mail scam using the name of the government’s Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) in an attempt to infect a user’s computer with malware. The e-mail claims a tax payment made through EFTPS was rejected and directs the recipient to a different web site for more information. The IRS advises those receiving this message to forward the message to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

4. The BBB suggests caution to anyone considering buying the iRenew bracelet, advertised on TV across the U.S. The bracelet is distributed by Harvest Trading Group of Norwell, Mass., which has a “D” rating with the BBB on a scale of A to F. Many consumers say they felt the bracelets were useless, the TV commercials misleading, the cost of shipping and handling was exorbitant and obtaining a refund proved to be extremely difficult. Check a company’s Reliability Report with the BBB by going to www.bbb.org.

5. Louisville is one of the top cities most infected by bedbugs in the U.S. The epidemic has brought scammers out of the woodwork. BBB suggests seeking referrals, to get three or four written estimates, including a pest management plan that says exactly what they will do, what products they will use, how frequently, and the cost and the kind of warranty. Eradication may require several treatments. Before any treatment is applied, the technician should produce evidence of infestation.

6. The BBB says buyers should beware when purchasing collector’s coins from National Collector’s Mint. The BBB has received reports that the sales representatives use harassing sales techniques, the coins arrive damaged or not at all, and refunds are difficult to obtain. This company has an “F” rating with the BBB on a scale of A to F for not responding to complaints or providing basic information.

7. Don’t get spooked by Halloween boutiques! Many of these shops and online stores are seasonal. BBB recommends the following tips to avoid being haunted long after Halloween is over: Ask the company for its physical address and phone number so you can check its reliability with the BBB at www.bbb.org; Make sure you understand the company’s refund and return policy before you buy; Know the price and shipping charges before ordering; Only provide credit card information in a secure environment.

8. On Oct. 27, companies selling debt relief services via telephone may no longer charge a fee before settling or reducing a customer’s credit card debt. Three other Telemarketing Sales Rule provisions, that just took effect require debt relief companies to make specific disclosures to consumers, prohibit misrepresentations, and extend the Telemarketing Sales Rule to cover calls consumers make to these firms in response to debt relief advertising. For more info, visit www.ftc.gov.

9. The BBB warns consumers to be wary of Mystery Shopper scams. Some scammers are using the BBB database to impersonate legitimate mystery shopping companies to con consumers into depositing checks into their personal bank accounts, withdrawing the funds and wiring the money through Western Union. Always check www.bbb.org to be sure the contact information you are asked to use matches a legitimate business in good standing with the BBB.

10. BBB has received reports of an increase in Unclaimed Property Scams. Scammers email consumers offering to help find unclaimed money or property. One scam asks consumers to call a 1-809 number to begin the search. The consumer is asked to send money for “more information” or pay a fee to view a “database.” The company does not guarantee the name contained in the list is actually the consumer. BBB suggests www.kytreasury.com/Unclaimed+Property+Search.htm to search for unclaimed money.

BBB and Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office Warns:
Beware of Unscrupulous Contractors

 
The Better Business Bureau and the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office is warning consumers to beware of unscrupulous contractors.
 
Consumers are complaining to the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office and the BBB that Fix Right Roofing and Paving is taking their money and not doing the work promised. Some of these complaints involve local churches and a children’s home. The consumers say they write a check upfront, to help for materials, and the company does not come back to finish the job and won’t return phone calls.
 
Fix Right Roofing and Paving gives one address of 3044 Bardstown Road, in Louisville. This is actually a UPS store. The company has an “F” rating with the BBB due to 1 unanswered complaint. Another complaint is now in process.
 
The Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office and Better Business Bureau will provide more information today at the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, 300 S. Buckman Street, Shepherdsville, KY.
 
Tips from the BBB on hiring a contractor you can trust:
 
Start Your Search with BBB. The BBB has tens of thousands of Reliability Reports on contractors—good and bad—across the US.  BBB Accredited roofers have pledged to uphold BBB’s Standards for Trust and are contractually obligated to resolve all complaints filed
with the BBB.
 
Check Out the Contractor Carefully. Verify the business meets all state and local requirements including being licensed, insured and bonded. Also ask the business for references from recent jobs.
 
Get at least three bids. Beware of lowball estimates that may potentially balloon over time or foreshadow shoddy work to come.
 
Recognize the red flags. Beware of any contractor that uses high pressure sales tactics or requires full payment upfront. Also avoid contractors that require you to get the necessary permits.
 
Make sure everything is in writing. Make sure that the full scope of the work is explained in the contract including cleanup and disposal of waste. All verbal agreements need to be included in the written agreement. Pay close attention to the payment terms, estimated price of materials, and labor and any warranties or guarantees.
louisville.bbb.org
Beware of Storm Chasers. In the wake of a storm, fly-by-night repair businesses will solicit work, often door to door, in unmarked trucks. They might require advance payment and make big promises that they won’t deliver on.
 
 
For more advice on hiring professionals you can trust,
visit us online at www.bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.

With the unemployment rate still hovering around 10 percent, the Better Business Bureau warns job hunters to beware of scammers preying on the unemployed.
 
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, unemployment claims unexpectedly jumped to 500,000 in mid-August, an increase of 12,000 over the previous week. According to a July report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 45 percent of unemployed Americans have been out of work for more than 6 months.
 
BBB warns job hunters to beware of these red flags:
 
 
 
Red Flag: The employer offers a work-at-home opportunity
While many legitimate businesses do allow employees to work from home, scammers take advantage of this by targeting senior citizens, stay-at-home moms, students, and injured or disabled people wishing to work from home. Job hunters should use caution when considering a work-at-home offer and always research the company with their BBB at www.bbb.org.
 
Red Flag: The employer asks for money upfront
Employers rarely ask an applicant to pay upfront fees or make a required purchase to get a job. BBB often hears from job hunters who paid a bogus employer for “required” background checks or training for jobs that didn’t exist. Always research the job thoroughly before reaching for your wallet.
 
Red Flag: The salary and benefits offered seem too-good-to-be-true
Phony employers might brag about exceptionally high salary potential and excellent benefits for little work with no experience
necessary in order to lure unsuspecting job hunters into a scam.
 
Red Flag: Employer e-mails are filled with poor grammar and spelling errors.
Online fraud is often perpetrated by scammers located outside the U.S. E-mails will often contain poor grammar and misspellings of common words.
 
Red Flag: The employer asks for personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers
Legitimate employers do not ask for personal or financial information via e-mail. Regardless of the reason given, a job applicant should never give out his or her Social Security or bank account numbers over the phone or in an email.
Red Flag: The employer asks you to check your credit report
After posting resumes online or responding to online job listings, many job hunters may receive an e-mail from an interested
employer. In order to be considered for the job, the applicant is asked to check his or her credit report through a recommended website. The e-mail is an attempt to get the job hunter to divulge sensitive financial information or sign-up for credit monitoring services.
 
Red Flag: The job requires you to wire money through Western Union or MoneyGram or receive and forward suspicious goods
Scammers ask the prospective employee to cash a check sent by the company through the mail and then wire a portion of the money to a person or business. The check is usually a fake and the employee is not reimbursed for the money. BBB also warns against receiving and mailing suspicious goods, such as electronics or luxury items, overseas.
 
 
 
For more tips, go to www.bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222

1. The Grandparent Scam preys on the emotions of seniors who believe a grandchild is in trouble. A local grandparent lost $12,000 when scam artists contacted her, posing as her grandchild in distress seeking money for a supposed arrest in Haiti. If faced with such a call, indicating an emergency situation, BBB advises seniors to verify the identity of the individual, check-out the story with other family members, and be wary of any requests to wire money.

2. Mystery Shopper Scam – Survey Platinum is mailing letters to the local area that contain checks, usually in the amount of $3,500.00, in exchange for participation in a “Mystery Shopping Program.” The letter instructs consumers to cash the check and wire the money to an undisclosed location the consumer obtains by calling a “Training Coordinator” at the phone number provided in the letter. BBB warns that the check is not legitimate and should not be cashed.

3. Colton Financial, a company claiming to be located in Farmington Hills, Mich., informs consumers they are approved for a secured loan for $5,000.00 if they wire a down payment first. Consumers wire the money, never receive the loan, and then are unable to contact anyone with the company. The company has an “F” rating with the BBB for not responding to several complaints. BBB warns consumers to be wary of bogus loan brokers impersonating legitimate lenders.

4. Facebook phishing scams are designed to seize personal information and can lead to identity theft. Beware of the “dislike” button scam, the Free Gift Card scam, and the Fraudulent Status Update scam. Also, the Free Apple iPad scam links consumers to an external site operated by Better-Gifts.net that asks consumers to register for free trial offers. Consumers’ credit cards are charged if the limited-time offers aren’t cancelled on time. BBB recommends consumers avoid these Facebook offers.

5. Military dating scams are surfacing on Internet dating and social networking sites. Scammers pretending to be members of the military are building relationships with women then asking for money. Once the women send the money, they never hear from their Romeos again. BBB warns against sending money to someone you’ve met on a dating site.

6. Door-to-Door scams – BBB recommends exercising caution when hiring companies to do home repairs, driveway re-paving, etc. that solicit business door-to-door. Be wary of companies claiming to have “leftover materials” from a recent neighborhood job and offering services for advance payment. Always research the company first with the BBB at www.bbb.org.

7. Homeowners should use care when choosing a roofing contractor. BBB has received several complaints against American Shingle & Siding Inc.across the South and Mid Atlantic regions. The company often solicits door-to-door and requires homeowners to sign a contract with payment due upfront. Consumers complain that after payment, work is often poorly executed, not completed on-time, or never completed. BBB tips: Get at least three bids, beware of low estimates, and avoid high pressure sales tactics.

8. National Magazine Exchange, a company that appears to go by at least 13 other names, calls consumers to solicit magazine sales and asks for credit card and bank account information. Invitations are also mailed to consumers inviting them to enter the Million Dollar “Strike It Rich” Sweepstakes, a promotion aimed at boosting subscription sales. The company has an “F” rating with the BBB for not responding to several complaints.

9. Beware of Vishing and SMIShing scams! High-tech scammers pose as financial institutions using voicemail and text messages to inform consumers their credit card or bank information has been compromised and their accounts have been drained or closed. Consumers are given a phone number to call for more information. Once they call the number, they’re asked to dial in their credit card number, social security number, PIN or bank account number. BBB warns against giving out financial and personal information via phone.

10. Scholarship Scams – Parents and college students should be wary of private scholarship scams offering “a scholarship guaranteed or your money back.” Legitimate scholarship foundations don’t charge application fees or   ask for credit card or bank account information in order to “hold” a scholarship. Research the foundation or financial institution with the BBB at www.bbb.org.

Check out the Better Business Bureau at the 2010 KY State Fair! The BBB booth is located in Main Street KY in the South Wing of the KY Fair & Exposition Center.

As hundreds of thousands of people enjoy the fair over the next two weeks, the BBB wants to remind consumers to be cautious when dealing with some indoor exhibitors. New products on display meant to make life easier could be enticing to purchase, but consumers need to ask questions about the product, and the company selling it. BBB suggests asking the following questions:

• How long has the company been in business?
• Does the exhibitor have a telephone number and address where they can be reached should the product be defective?
• Is there a warranty or guarantee covering the product?
• How long is the product covered?
• If the product is defective, can the consumer get their money back or do they have to trade the damaged product for a new one?

Guarantees may give consumers a false sense of security, as a guarantee is often only as good as the company that stands behind the guarantee.

Before consumers buy, they should check the product itself.  Consumers need to make certain the materials and construction are up to the actual product’s reputation. Also check the packaging. Does the item inside of the packaging resemble what’s on the outside? The printing on the packaging or the actual construction for counterfeit products is often of poor quality and is a telltale sign the product contained is counterfeit. And remember, if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Offers to win a free trip may also be on display at the fair, along with credit card companies trying to lure customers to sign up for free gifts and prizes. While the prize may be free, by giving the promoter your name, phone number and address, consumers could receive unwanted credit cards in the mail as well as unwanted phone calls from telemarketers to their home. Consumers need to be aware when they sign up to win a prize, and giving the promoter a phone number and address, they’re establishing a business relationship with the company promoting the prize. The business may then contact you regardless of no call list registration due to that relationship.

If you’d like more tips for consumers at the Kentucky State Fair, call Reanna Smith-Hamblin at the Better Business Bureau at 502-588-0043.

The summer is winding down, and soon students will be headed back to school! Chances are, you still have some major “back-to-school shopping” to do. Whether your child is headed to high school or college, the Better Business Bureau has some Back-to-School basics.

When shopping for anything from new attire to electronic items, BBB has these tips to help you be a savvy back-to-school shopper:

1.      Ask about returns and refunds. Shopping for new clothes, accessories and gadgets is one of the highlights of going back to school. When buying new gear, ask the store about their return policy and always keep the receipts. Stores are not legally required to exchange an item or give a refund.

2.      Keep the item in its original box. Many retailers will not accept returns on opened video games, CDs, software or DVDs. And health regulations prohibit returns of hats and other intimate apparel.

3.      Ask about restocking fees. Some merchants charge a restocking or “open box” fee — sometimes as high as 20 percent of the original cost — for returns of electronics products or large-ticket items. Ask if that is the policy so that you know before you buy.

4.      Shop smart online. Find out the physical location and phone number of the merchant. Read the refund and return policy, have in writing any warranty or guaranty details, be familiar with delivery/shipping costs and time schedules, feel comfortable that the merchant is reliable and not the subject of consumer complaints, and be able to trust that any information you submit to complete the sale transaction (credit card number, etc.) will be treated with the proper care.

5.      Carefully check out businesses and deals before signing anything, before paying any money up front, and before releasing any personal or financial information (this includes your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, credit card, banking account number and other personal data).

If your child is in the market for a computer, BBB recommends doing your research:

• Decide what your child’s needs will be;
• What is the computer going to be used for? Word processing, graphic/web design, gaming?
• Determine what type of hardware and software that will be required;
• Find out what you have to do if the computer breaks down;
• Check out the warranty on the computer;
• Call your school or university and ask what other students in the class use;
• Compare prices, and check out the companies with the BBB at www.bbb.org;

If you are thinking about allowing your college-bound student to sign up for a credit card, do your homework.

• Shop around for the plan that best fits your student’s needs. There are often special offers for students;
• Compare terms and fees before you agree to open a credit card for your student.
• Find out the interest rate on the card, are they introductoryrates, and if so, how long do they apply?
• Are there annual fees?
• Check into the transaction fees and any other charges that could be incurred.

For more consumer information, go to www.bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.

1.      Local consumers are receiving calls from scammers who are targeting diabetic Medicare beneficiaries. Callers claim to be from Medicare or what sounds like “Med-care.” The callers seem legitimate because they have personal information on the beneficiary. The callers ask if the beneficiary has “the red, white, and blue card,” and ask for the Medicare number.  NEVER release personal information to unknown callers!

2.       Beware of a lottery scam, using the BBB name. Consumers in the area are receiving phone calls informing them they have won a BBB Lottery worth $2 million dollars. The scammers are asking the “winners” for personal information to claim their winnings. The BBB reminds you to never give out personal information over the phone.

3.      Survey Platinum is sending letters and checks to residents in the area, offering a chance to participate in a mystery shopping program. Consumers are instructed to cash the $3500 check and wire the bulk of the money to an undisclosed location. The check is fake. This is a SCAM!

4.      Another phishing email using the BBB name has resurfaced. The fake email states that the company did not respond to a complaint, and links the reader to a page to review the complaint, where the reader is susceptible to a virus. The email has an address of “seatac.” Contact the BBB if you receive one of these emails.

5.      Pacific Publications is an online company that offers a “genuine” employment opportunity, in which consumers can make money from home by stuffing and mailing envelopes. The company claims they will pay $5 for every envelope an employee stuffs and mails. Consumers who have purchased the program report never receiving anything from the company.

6.      Several deceptive marketers were banned from selling mortgage relief services under settlements with the FTC, which alleged the marketers charged homeowners up-front fees and falsely claimed they could get their mortgage loans modified to prevent foreclosure. Some of the companies that settled include: Federal Loan Modification Law Center, Loss Mitigation Services, Inc., Synergy Financial Management Corp., and Hope Now Modifications LLC.

7.      Colton Financial has an “F” rating with the BBB. The BBB has received numerous complaints against this business regarding advance fee loans, requiring prepayment via Western Union. Consumers who wire the money are never able to contact the company after it is wired. Never pay ahead of time for the promise of a loan.

8.      Free Airline Tickets? Not Really! Congratulations letters are going out, informing consumers they “qualify for an award of 2 (free) round-trip airline tickets.” The letters, sent by a company called Nicholson Barns, ask the consumer to call a toll-free number. Consumers who call reach a travel awards division, which sets appointments for consumers to attend high pressure sales presentations to purchase Outrigger Vacation Club memberships.

9. “Free Laptops” aren’t so free! FreeUSLaptop.com advertises on radio stations across the country, offering a free laptop. Consumers say, when they visit the website, they are asked to complete a survey and sign up to participate in trial offers with their “sponsors.” This offer really IS NOT free. Consumers have to try products which initially cost money. Consumers also complain they never receive their laptop.

10.  Back to School! Whether your child is going to high school or college, you’ll want to shop smart! When shopping, ask about the store’s return and refund policies; If you are purchasing a cell phone, get all details of the phone plan before signing a contract; Read the fine print when signing your child up for a credit card; and. do your research before buying a computer, what is the price, what does it include? For more shopping tips, go to www.bbb.org.

The Better Business Bureau wants to remind consumers to keep their personal information safe! BBB is hearing of several local complaints of identity theft. Over the past five years, identity theft has been the number one consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. ID Theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud.

Here are some common ways ID Theft occurs:

• Dumpster Diving. Identity thieves rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it;
• Skimming. Identity thieves steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card;
• Phishing. Identity thieves pretend to be a financial institution or company and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information;
• Changing Your Address. Identity thieves will divert your billing statements to another location by completing a “change of address” form;
• “Old-fashioned” Stealing. Identity thieves steal wallets and purses; mail, including band and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.

BBB wants to remind consumers to be cautious with their debit and credit card information when shopping or going out to eat. Although credit and debit cards are easy ways to pay for purchases, they have different levels of protection. Debit cards are directly linked to your bank account. They don’t offer as much protection against fraudulent use. If you need to dispute a purchase, you are in a weaker position because the merchant already has the money and it will only be returned if you win the dispute. Be sure to check the policies of your card issuer.

The BBB offers these tips for consumers to protect their identities:

• Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal  information before you discard them;
• Remember that when you use your debit card to make a  purchase the funds are immediately pulled from your account. This makes it much more difficult to get your money back if there is a dispute;
• Write “See ID” on the back of your Debit/Credit cards;
• Protect your social Security number. Don’t Carry around your SS card in your wallet or write your SS number on a check. Only give it out if it is absolutely necessary;
• Don’t give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
• Never click on links in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date.
• Don’t use obvious passwords like your birth date, mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your social Security number;
• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.

Be sure to review your financial statements on a regular basis for charges that you did not make. You should also check your credit report for anything that looks suspicious. You can get your report, for free, atwww.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.

If you fall victim to ID Theft:

• Place a ”Fraud Alert” on your credit reports. This tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. Contact all three consumer reporting companies below:

o   Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

o   Experian: 1-888-397-3742

o   TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

• Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with. Call the fraud departments of each company and follow up in writing with supporting documents. Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and that the fraudulent debts discharged. Keep copies of all documents and records of your conversations about theft.
• File a police report. File a report with police to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.

For more information on ID Theft, contact the BBB at

1-800-388-2222 or go to www.bbb.org.

Better Business Bureau serving Louisville, Southern Indiana, and Western Kentucky

844 South 4th Street

Louisville, KY 40203

BBB is warning online shoppers about a fraudulent e-mail that appears to be from Amazon.com. Scam artists are sending out the e-mails that state “thanks for your order.” The e-mail has an order number on it, a total price, and a link to click on to check out your order.

A BBB employee received the e-mail this morning. The employee has never shopped on Amazon, so she became suspicious and called the company. A customer relations manager told her that he had received 5 calls on it already, and that Amazon is investigating the fraudulent e-mail. The manager did not know what would happen if you clicked on the link. The link could be a virus or it could be a phishing attempt (to steal your personal information).

Amazon is asking anyone who receives a fraudulent e-mail like this to forward the e-mail to stop-spoofing@amazon.com.

Below are some key points from Amazon.com to help identify e-mails that appear to be from Amazon, but are not:

1. Know what Amazon.com won’t ask for – Amazon.com will never ask you for the following information in an e-mail:

• Your social security number or tax identification number
• Your credit card number, PIN number, or credit card, or security code
• Your mother’s maiden name
• Your Amazon.com password

2. Requests to verify or confirm your account information - Amazon.com will not ask you to verify or confirm your Amazon.com account information by clicking on a link from an e-mail.

3. Attachments on suspicious e-mails – Amazon.com does not send order confirmations or other unsolicited requests that require you to open attachments.

4. Grammatical or typographical errors - Be on the lookout for poor grammar or typographical errors.

5. Check the Web site address – Genuine Amazon.com web sites are always hosted on the “amazon.com” domain–”http://www.amazon.com/. . . ” (or “https://www.amazon.com/. . .“). Sometimes the link included in spoofed e-mails looks like a genuine Amazon.com address. You can check where it actually points to by hovering your mouse over the link–the actual Web site where it points to will be shown in the status bar at the bottom of your browser window or as a pop-up. Amazon never uses a web address such as “http://security-amazon.com/. . .” or an IP address (string of numbers) followed by directories such as “http://123.456.789.123/amazon.com/. . . .”

6. Protect your account information – If you did click through from a spoofed or suspicious e-mail and you entered your Amazon.com account information you should immediately update your Amazon.com password. You can do this through Your Account by choosing the option to “Change your name, e-mail address, or password” found under Account Settings. Even if someone has been able to look at your account, they are still not able to see your full credit card information. However, orders can be sent from your account using your credit card. Contact Amazon immediately if you notice any orders that you do not recognize.

If you submitted your credit card number to the site linked to from the forged e-mail message, you should contact your credit card company. You should also delete the credit card from your Amazon.com account to prevent anyone from improperly regaining access to your account.

BBB ALWAYS recommends, if an e-mail looks suspicious, go directly to the Web site, or call the company directly. When in doubt, do not click on a link in an e-mail.

For more consumer tips, go to www.bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.