Fake Receipts

How the Scam Works

If you receive a receipt for something you never purchased, a subscription you never signed up for, or a notice about a package you weren’t expecting — chances are it is a scammer trying to get to you.

When people receive a communication like this, they often rush to correct it–thinking they made a mistake. In their panic, they utilize the knock-off link or phone number provided in the scam email. This gives the scammers exactly what they want.

Victims call and “confirm” their credit card or banking information, which results in scammers gaining access to the victim’s money. Or when the victim clicks on the link, they end up on an unsafe fraud site, disclosing their information to criminals.

Sometimes money isn't what the scammers are after, but instead they are looking to get malware installed. This could result in cybercriminals stealing or destroying your data.

How to Beat the Scam

• Take a breath, is this a service you or your family actually uses?
• Search Google for the official company phone number and ask them if they have any record of a recent invoice. Never call the phone number listed on the email.
• Delete the email once you have confirmed with the company that they did not send an invoice.

Extra Credit Tips

• Have a banking or credit card app on your phone, always double-check your statements for pending charges first.

• It is easy to panic in situations like this, the difference between five minutes of contemplation and 15 is minimal and can bring you better clarity whether the email appears to be a scam.