A new scam using the BBB name popped up this week and has been received by consumers and businesses across the U.S. and Canada, including many BBB offices.  Two versions of the email have been received.  One claims to be following up on a complaint filed with the BBB.  The other is asking for updated contact information “as a service to BBB Accredited Businesses.”

Both email messages are fakes; however, they both look quite realistic.  Both refer recipients to an online form with an address for a local BBB.  However, if you hover your mouse over the link you can see that the real address is not BBB.  “Do not click on the link,” advised Tom Gallagher, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Central Virginia.  The link will actually take you to a website that downloads a Trojan virus on your computer.

BBB is working with a professional deactivation service to take down the websites that are spreading the malware.  This information has been reported to the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.  Consumers are urged to delete suspicious emails and keep their anti-virus software up-to-date at all times.