Links infect computers, stealing information and potentially money

An e-mail scam using the Better Business Bureau’s name and logo is proliferating across North America, using malicious software to access companies’ data and bank accounts.

The e-mails claim to be from the Better Business Bureau and come with the subject line “Complaint from your customers.” The e-mails have a link or attachment containing software that steals information.

The Better Business Bureau offers advice for anyone who receives the e-mail:

• Forward the e-mail to phishing@cscprotectsbrands.com,
• Do not open any attachments,
• Do not click on any links,
• Delete the e-mail from your inbox, then delete it from your trash or recycling folder,
• And run a full system scan using reputable virus protection software.

If a business receives an e-mail saying the Better Business Bureau has received a complaint about the business, there are several signs it may not be authentic:

• Typos and grammatical errors in the text may indicate it originated overseas.
• If the e-mail says it is from the Better Business Bureau’s headquarters, it is possibly fraudulent. Complaints go out from local offices, not the headquarters.
• If holding the mouse cursor over the link, it doesn’t actually indicate a bbb.org website.
• Copy and paste the link into a text program that doesn’t support HTML computer language, such as Notepad (not Microsoft Word), revealing the actual link.

Council of Better Business Bureaus is working with federal law enforcement to identify the perpetrator of the fraud.