BBB Warns: Beware of Phishing Scams after Epsilon Breach

 BBB is warning consumers to watch out for phishing scams related to the recent Epsilon data breach. Phishing involves unsolicited emails, pop-up messages, text messages or phone calls that appear to come from reputable to fraudulently obtain personal information such as logins, passwords, a Social Security number, and bank or credit card numbers. 

Epsilon handled email marketing programs for hundreds of corporate brands, including Best Buy, Capital One, Chase, Kroger, Marriott, New York & Co. and Walgreens. It announced on April 1 that “unauthorized entry” into its system exposed the names and email addresses of its clients’ customers. Some consumers have since received emails or other correspondence from those companies, letting them know of the breach. It would be easy for scam artists to take advantage of those who were affected. The following tips can help consumers confronted with phishing scams.

• Never reply to unsolicited emails. If the message includes a link within it, never click it. Many schemers use this as way to spread a viral attack on your computer. 
• Do not give personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you via email. Your bank, the IRS or a law enforcement agency will not contact you by email. They will send you a letter.

·         Even if the request sounds authentic, check out the inquiry before you respond. Visit the website of the legitimate company you know and trust, or call the number on the back of your credit card, recent statement or receipt to confirm that representatives have been authorized to solicit customer information.

• Transmitted information should be encrypted. When sending personal information like addresses, credit card numbers and Social Security numbers over the Internet, make sure the website is fully encrypted and the network is secure. Look for https (the “s” stands for secure) at the beginning of the URL address.
• Know the red flags. Poor grammar or misspelled words are red flags that the email is probably a scam. Most importantly, never wire money based on instructions in one of these suspicious emails. Scammers prey on those who think they need to wire money to have a situation resolved.
• Protect your computer. Keep your antivirus software up to date and run it regularly.

·         If people who say they represent your credit card company or bank call you to discuss suspicious activity in your account, they should ask only about the transactions in question. Do not provide your account number, expiration date or other data, because the legitimate company or bank would have that information on file.

• Spread the word. Discuss phishing scams with all family members who have email addresses. Young people may be computer savvy, but not scam savvy. Older adults often are targeted by scammers, too.

For more tips on protecting yourself from fraud, go to www.bbb.org or call 800-388-2222.