BBB Tip of the Week

This week we continue reviewing the top 10 scams of 2011:

• Top phishing scam: The most pernicious phishing scam last year disguised itself as official communication from NACHA – the National Automated Clearing House Association – which transfers billions of dollars electronically each year. The email claims “your transactions” did not go through, and asks you to click a link.

What you can do: Don’t click. It may take you to a fake banking site to “verify” your account information, or it may download malware to infiltrate your computer.

• Top identity theft scam: This one has gotten so prevalent that many hotels now post warnings in their lobbies. How it works: You get a call in your hotel room after midnight. The front desk needs to get your credit card number again. Scammers are counting on you being too sleepy to catch on that the call isn’t from the hotel at all, but from someone from outside direct-dialing guest rooms.

• What to do: Insist you will deal with the problem in person in the morning.

• Top financial scam: Because the federal government launched or expanded several mortgage relief programs recently, sound-alike websites have popped up to try to fool consumers. Most ask for an upfront fee to help you deal with your mortgage company or the government , and almost all leave you in more debt than when you started.

What to do: Contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in your state for free resources and guidance.

• Top sales scam: Penny auctions are popular because it seems like you can get a camera or computer for way below retail price. You pay a small fee for each bid and if you aren’t the winner, you lose that money. The problem: Some sites have been caught choosing the “winner” as the last bidder when time runs out, not the top bidder. Others are being investigated as online gambling.

What to do: Treat legitimate penny auctions like casino gambling – know how the bidding works, set limits, and be prepared to walk away.

• Scam of the year: Fake complaint email from the BBB. The subject line says “Complaint Against Your Business.” It tells you to click a link or to open an attachment. Either will launch a virus onto your computer. Nationwide, the BBB is working with security consultants and federal law enforcement to track down the source of these emails, and has already shut down more than 50 hijacked websites.

What to do: If you get an email like this, call your BBB. (Legitimate emails should come from spokane.bbb.org.)

Holly Doering, BBB