Better Business Bureau of Golden Gate BBB is alerting consumers to a new holiday email scam that’s popping-up in consumers’ inboxes just in time for the holiday shopping season.
The email appears to be a legitimate email from DHL Services, a parcel shipment company, but the email actually contains an attachment that if opened, will infect your computer with a virus.
The email, which is displayed below, is similar to emails that seem to turn up every year during the holidays. At this time of year many consumers are often not surprised to receive unexpected packages in the mail, so when they see a notification in their inbox stating they have a package waiting, many consumers are more likely to believe it.
Dear customer!
The courier company was not able to deliver your parcel by your address.
Cause: Error in shipping address.
You may pickup the parcel at our post office personaly.
Please attention!
The shipping label is attached to this e-mail.
Print this label to get this package at our post office.
Please do not reply to this e-mail, it is an unmonitored mailbox!
Thank you,
DHL Services.DHL’s
Web site says the attachment is actually the Infostealer.Banker.C virus, a known and verified virus that is employed by scammers to steal their victims’ identity.
BBB reminds consumers to never open an email attachment or link from an unknown source. Often times the attachment or link turns out to be nothing but a virus that will infect your computer, causing costly damage, and possibly stealing your identity.
This Christmas season, don’t unwrap unknown email attachments.
About BBB
The BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Reliability Reports® on businesses and BBB Wise Giving Reports® on charities, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada. Please visit www.goldengate.bbb.org for more information.