Businesses and other organisations are being warned to be careful if they receive an email apparently from the Better Business Bureau concerning a consumer complaint.
The emails concerned are reported to include a link which contains malicious phishing malware that steals information.
The real Better Business Bureau is an organisation in the USA and Canada, set up to deal with business standards in North America. The nearest equivalents in the UK are Trading Standards Services and the Office of Fair Trading.
In response to the scam, the Better Business Bureau has issued the following advice should a business or organisation receive the scam email:
- Do not open any attachments
- Do not click on any links
- Delete the email from your inbox and then delete it again from your trash or recycling folder
- Run a full system scan using reputable virus software
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Trading Standards Service has issued this warning after a report was received that the Better Business Bureau scam email had been sent to the council.
Colin Briggs, trading standards services manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This attack on businesses and other organisations could be damaging and highlights the increasing need for vigilance against online fraudsters.”
Councillor Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for rural issues and cultural services, said: “I would strongly urge anyone using the internet or email to be careful when opening emails. Don’t lose out to online scammers.”
Anyone who requires further advice or wishes to report any similar activity within the East Riding is urged to contact Consumer Direct, on 08454 04 05 06.
Get Safe Online, a joint initiative between the Government, law enforcement, leading businesses and the public sector, offers a range of information about staying safe online and aims to provide computer users and small businesses with free, independent, user-friendly advice that will allow them to use the internet confidently, safely and securely. For more information:
Get Safe online (external website)
