INDIANAPOLIS — While shoppers across the country enjoyed deals for Amazon Prime Day, the Better Business Bureau Serving Central Indiana says scammers aren't done using it as an excuse to steal your money.
The BBB says scammers are using the promise of big discounts to target your bank account.
How the scam works
You receive an unsolicited email or text message appearing 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.
BBB tips on how to 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.
Scam reports can be filed on the BBB's website.
Watch the video in the player above to learn more.
-
New judge resentences man who killed IMPD officer on criminal confinement charge
The man convicted of killing IMPD Officer Breann Leath was re-sentenced Friday morning, receiving additional time for criminal confinement but no extra jail time due to concurrent sentencing.Johnson County coroner pleads not guilty, bonds out in teen alcohol case
A Johnson County coroner is facing criminal charges after authorities say he provided alcohol to a teenager, and court records now show prosecutors have requested an arrest warrant with no bond.VP Vance visits Indiana for second time to discuss redistricting
As the White House continues to push for redistricting, Vice President JD Vance is expected to be in Indiana on Friday for the second time in recent months.Indiana executes Roy Lee Ward for teen's 2001 murder
Indiana executed Roy Lee Ward by lethal injection early Friday morning for the 2001 rape and murder of 15-year-old Stacy Payne in Spencer County.