We keep reading about the international hacking scams but little is said about how and when these cyber-criminals rip you off. Well, here’s one I was able to nip in the bud just tonight.
My first tip was who it was emailed to. The scammers chose a website that I own but is in no way connected to my Costco account.
Second: I’ve never received this kind of refund from this store.
Third: The “view your reward here” address doesn’t look anything like what might come from a major retailer. It’s too long, it doesn’t have any markings that look like Costco. Bottom line? It’s a scam, folks. Your name, your website, your email address and banking information are all in the hands of crooks who buy lists of potential suckers from the hackers. If you click on a link that looks like the one below it automatically installs malware on your computer.
Beware and be aware my friends.
Ward
Reward Month: October For: xxxx@xxxxxxxxxx
October 3, 2014 ——————————– Your October Costco Rewards Are Available. To claim your October Rewards, view the link below. Average Reward Balance: $78.52 View your reward here:
http://federalbly.us/ZOzoaqS-09234-03d4558M3425R9-2305P84435234-058923450832A4-09G345345V852345842352349B0-5-09-2934W5BW9879723452345234j5345l34k345j2345ou54231
