How to Report Email Scams
Email Scams Abound
Email is a great tool for communication, and almost everyone is using it. It’s great for keeping up with friends, solidifying business plans and talking with distant relatives. If you’re not careful, however, email can be used against you.
If you’ve fallen victim to an email scam, take action immediately. Let eConsumer Services® help. We are the first link in the chain to report scam emails. Simply fill out the form to the right to get started.
Email Scams: Phishing
Phishing is the term used when someone tries to convince you to divulge your personal information via email. If they accomplish their goal, they will usually engage in some form of identity theft, which can lead to bad credit and a whole lot of headaches. It’s important that you recognize these types of scams when they occur and that you report them through the appropriate avenues.
How to Identify Phishing Attempts
The first thing you have to do is recognize the scam. Any time someone asks you for personal information, such as your full name, address, birthdate, bank account number, or credit information. It should immediately raise red flags. Most legitimate businesses won’t ask for this information through email because it’s not safe. Someone else could intercept it.
There are several other clues that will let you know that the person emailing you is trying to scam you. Usually, they will offer you a lot of money with little to no work required on your end. Also, high-pressure tactics mean someone is trying to get you to act before you have a chance to fully consider the situation.
How to Report Email Scams
It’s important that you know how to report scams. In this particular case, you will need to use tools from your email provider to show you how to report email scams. Many times, when an email isn’t from a trusted source, your email provider will let you know that it could be dangerous. It will also usually show a button that allows you to report scam emails.
Alternatively, you can send an email to phishing-report@us-cert.gov. US-CERT works to prevent other people from becoming victims of these scams.
Get Your Money Back
Reporting suspicious activity will help to stop future occurrences, but you still have to deal with the money you’ve already lost. If you know who is responsible for the scam, you can go the old-fashioned route and sue them. Unfortunately, it’s not likely that you will have this information.
You might be able to get a credit card refund. Call your credit card provider and request a chargeback. Often times, you will be able to get one without much hassle. There are laws in place that protect you from situations such as these. If, however, the scammer got ahold of your debit card and PIN number, you won’t be able to do much about it.
For more information, check this article regarding how to get your money back from online scams. It has even more tips that might be useful in your situation.
Don’t Become a Victim of Phishing
Email is great, but you have to be careful how you use it. Watch out for warning that someone is trying to make you a victim of a scam and report suspicious behavior immediately. If you do become the victim of an email scam, you have to take the necessary steps to get your money back. Since it isn’t guaranteed that you will get your money back, it’s in your best interest to avoid these situations completely.
