As more people turn to online shopping, the fraudsters are taking advantage of this by sending fake emails from popular online retailers that we know and trust. These realistic looking emails contain a shipping confirmation for an item you didn’t purchase or a fraud alert. They contain links or phone numbers to call to try to obtain your payment or personal information. If you receive one of these emails, here are some tips to keep your information safe:
- DO NOT click on any links within the email.
- DO NOT call the phone number listed in the email.
- DO go to the legitimate retailer website. Many popular retailers offer a link within their website to report fraudulent emails, or you can contact customer service using the contact information provided on their legitimate website. They should never ask you for payment information such as full card number, PIN number, or identifying information such as full social security number.
For more information on current scams, please visit the Federal Trade Commission's website.