Oakland, CA July 31, 2012 -- BBB joined Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy as another established brand used to promote fake gift cards. Don’t bother trying to redeem this offer. It’s just a trick to get your email address, cell number and other personal information.
How the Scam Works:
People nationwide are receiving emails informing them that Better Business Bureau is giving away $1,000 Visa gift cards. Emails come from a variety of email addresses and contain different links, but all use a variation of the message below:
Dear John,
On behalf of Better Business Bureau you have been issued a $1,000 Visa Gift Card free of charge.
Card type: Visa Gift
Card Issued to: JOHN SMITH
Issuing branch: Amarillo, Texas
Valid until: 08/2015
Please use the following website to claim your card and have it shipped to the address of your choosing: Go to: www reward2012 com Note that claims must be made within 48 hours from this email being sent, or the above link will become invalid.
Sincerely, Rachel
Customer Service Employee Benefits Center, LLC
Go to the web address given in the email, and you will be asked to input information about your age, address, email and cell phone number. Given that the survey does not request your Social Security Number, banking information or ask you to download a maleware file, it is not likely an attempt at ID theft. Rather, it’s probably an unscrupulous way to collect consumer data, such as email addresses and phone numbers.
More Information:
See BBB.org’s complete scam directory for more information about breaking scams in your area.
About the BBB
The BBB is an unbiased nonprofit 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. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Reliability ReportsTM on businesses and BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM on charities, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada. Please visit www.goldengate.bbb.org for more information.
