Beware of fake complaint reports coming from seatac@bbb.org
Better Business Bureau is warning businesses to beware of a new malicious e-mail that pretends to be from BBB about a complaint filed against the company. The e-mail first came to BBB’s attention on April 12, 2010.
Several businesses across the US--including law firms, advertising agencies and architecture firms--have reported receiving a suspicious e-mail from the address seatac@bbb.org with the subject line “BBB Complaint Case #” followed by a nine-digit number. Both BBB Accredited and non-Accredited businesses have been targeted.
The body of the e-mail claims that the company did not respond to a complaint filed by a Jason Harlow (however other names may be used) and includes a link to a page at www.ca-bbb.org where the business can supposedly review the complaint.
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 of West Florida, Inc. directly at (727) 535-5522. For more advice on how to protect your business from malicious online attacks visit www.bbb.org/data-security/.
A copy of the actual e-mail follows:
BBB, the leader in advancing marketplace trust, 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 a 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.