Please print copies of this email and keep it near telephones and computers - to remind you of these scams when one occurs.
Despite Federal Trade Commission efforts to shut down scammers, they continue to thrive and are constantly coming up with clever methods to trick you into believing their scams.
Always be skeptical. Be alert for other popular scams such as:
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Calls or recorded messages from "Microsoft", "Windows", "Apple", "Amazon", "Your Internet Provider", "Google" and other impostors claiming that there is a problem with your service or account - and the caller needs to fix the problem immediately.
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Website pop-ups from the names listed above, again claiming that there's a problem with your device, service or account and usually accompanied by wording designed to scare you. A phone number will be listed in the message urging you to call immediately or there will be dire consequences if you don't call.
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Emails from the names listed above, urging you to take immediate action about a problem with a recent order, an expensive order that you didn't place, or a delivery problem or confirmation.
If you get any such call, pop-up or email similar to what's listed above - DO NOT REACT TO THE ADVICE OF THE MESSAGE OR WARNING. IT'S USUALLY A SCAM THAT'S MEANT TO SCARE YOU INTO MAKING AN IMMEDIATE JUDGMENT WITHOUT THINKING IT THROUGH RATIONALLY. Legitimate companies will send a letter to your postal address if there are any problems that need to be addressed.
What to do: If it's a call/recording, hang up and ignore it. If it's an email you can check the status of online accounts the way you normally do - via phone number on a bank card, or going directly to a website and logging in - but never by clicking a link or attachment in a questionable email. If it's a pop-up on your computer or device, simply close the warning or shut down your device the way that you normally do. After a restart the "scare" message should be gone. If it's still present after restart, do not call any number presented on the screen.
