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Consumer Advocate Falls For Phishing Scam
Yep, that's right. The author of
this website fell for an internet phishing scam-- hook,
line and sinker. I received an email offer for a BOGO on
Snuggies (blankets that can be worn like a robe). My mom was
recovering from a stroke and she felt cold all the time.
I wanted to get a Snuggie to keep her warm, so I entered
my bank card information. Everything seemed legit. After
all, I've seen ads for Snuggies on TV and the website had a
toll free telephone number.
Two weeks went by and the payment
still hadn't been withdrawn from my account. I tried calling
the 800 number several times over a 2 day period and got a
busy signal every time. I was getting very suspicious so
I clicked to the website from the link in the email.
It was then that I noticed there was a redirect to a different
web address. Also, I noticed the address on the site is a PO
Box and most likely a bogus one at that. There was no valid
email address.
The scammers are from other
countries so they're almost impossible to catch. They send
emails and direct their victims to spoof websites to collect
their bank account information. They keep the websites up for
a period of time and they don't withdraw any funds. When that
time has passed, they remove the website and proceed to clean
the bank accounts of everyone who placed an order.
Fortunately, I realized what was
happening before they had the chance to rob me blind. I went
to my bank and cancelled the account I used to place the
order.
Lesson learned: Never, ever
give out financial information in response to an
email . If you order something online call the phone
number first. If it takes more than a few days for your
payment to be processed, that is a big red flag. Also, never
let your guard down for even a second. People are especially
susceptible to this kind of phishing scam during holidays,
special occasions, when loved ones are ill, etc.
Beware! |
