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Phishers send fake invoices

February 23, 2018
by Ari Lazarus
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

We’ve recently heard that scammers are recycling an old phishing attempt. In this version, scammers, posing as a well-known tech company, email a phony invoice showing that you’ve recently bought music or apps from them. The email tells you to click on a link if you did not authorize the purchase. Stop – do not click on the link. That’s the new twist on an old scam.

More precisely, you just experienced a phishing attempt – that is, when a scammer uses fraudulent emails or texts, or copycat websites to get you to share valuable personal information. The scammers then use that information to commit fraud or identity theft.

Scammers also use phishing emails to get access to your computer or network – then they install programs like ransomware that can lock you out of important files on your computer.

Here are some tips to help keep your information secure:

Be suspicious if a business, government agency, or organization asks you to click on a link that then asks for your username or password or other personal data. Instead, type in the web address for the organization or call them. The link in the email may look right, but if you click it you may go to a copycat website run by a scammer.
Be cautious about opening attachments. A scammer could even pretend to be a friend or family member, sending messages with malware from a spoofed account.
Set your security software to update automatically, and back up your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Back up your files regularly and use security software you trust to protect your data.



Lastly, report phishing emails and texts by forwarding them to spam@uce.gov and filing a report with the FTC.
Tagged with: phishing, scam
Blog Topics:
Privacy, Identity & Online Security
Comments
MichaelEdits | February 23, 2018 |

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Oh, I get buried in these things. But (1) I know what I have and haven't ordered and (2) With any email, I take my finger off the button before I put my mouse over any link, and look at the link address at the bottom left of my screen. It rarely matches who the email claims it is.
TonyJ | February 23, 2018 |

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Why don't you post example images of the emails?
mamabear | February 23, 2018 |

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On all cell phones should be some kind of device that deletes before consumers get it!
FAEAWW | February 23, 2018 |

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We are under attack by actors daily as is most small business. Very time-consuming stopping to double check your operation. Sadly it's a must for conducting business. Using well-known software can help. Phishing scam, privacy violations, online security compromise is our business for it a must be to prevent lost.
rikosheye | February 23, 2018 |

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got my eye on this one thanks
Kermitt | February 23, 2018 |

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I copy links in suspect email then paste them in a text doc to see waht they really say and if they all are the exact same link I know it’s something to not believe.
Owensopines | February 23, 2018 |

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This scam is also perpetrated using an out-of-area 855 number. I did not answer the call so they left a voicemail message. Unfortunately (or fortunately) the number was not one that could be called. People need to be aware about seemingly valid phone calls.
Bobby | February 23, 2018 |

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I have recently received two e-mails purportedly from Apple which informed me I had purchased some sort of music and the click on a link if I didn't. I recognized this as a scam and sent the e-mails to Apple.
Phil A. | February 23, 2018 |

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One of these low-lifes hacked into my email account and sent one of these phishing invoices to everyone on my contact list.
slb | February 23, 2018 |

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Yes, these are old scams and they are resurfacing. Our business has received several "Invoices", we delete on receipt. Thank you for the information
Alert Alice | February 23, 2018 |

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Whenever I get an email or phone call that makes me curious or interested and unknown, I don't open it or answer phone. I've been scammed using my family twice and worried alot but didn't fall for it in the long run. Always check with family involved. Also report it to FTC to help others.
Rose | February 23, 2018 |

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I have also received a text message to click on a link. (I have a free Google Voice number, so fortunately, that's a computer number.) I get phishing emails constantly. Thank you for the reminder that phishing attacks are still prevalent and create high exposures ehich can further cybercriminal activities.
72MrW60214 | February 23, 2018 |

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Your information on watching scammers are insightful. As business adviser, I appreciate and value your inputs. Thank you for caring and having a watchful eyes, to protect small business

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