FRAUD ALERT: Fake Groupon Deals Lure in Online Bargain Hunters
Savvy shoppers know buying online coupons from Groupon can be a great way to get a deal. But now scammers are smarting up to Groupon’s potential too … as a way to transmit a virus.
How the Scam Works:
A new email scam posing as a Groupon offer is infecting victims’ computers with a virus. The emails pretend to come from Groupon and look just like the emails users receive when a friend shares a deal with them.
The fake emails do an excellent job of replicating Groupon’s colors, logo and email format. But attached to the message is a file called “gift coupon.zip” which contains a virus designed to infect Windows operating system.
Currently, the fake emails use the poorly spelled subject line “Groupon dicount gifts,” but look for that to change as scammers wise up.
As always, stay safe from scams by keeping your virus software up to date and run a scan if you click on something phishy.
Sample Scam Email:
More Information:
Have questions about whether a Groupon deal is real, contact their customer support here.
____________________
The BBB is dedicated to fostering honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers in the U.S. and Canada, instilling consumer confidence and contributing to a trustworthy marketplace for all.
You may also enjoy reading
-
FRAUD ALERT: AT&T Customers, Don’t Fall For Fake Bill Scam
A few months ago, scammers attempted to trick Verizon customers into opening fake bill notices. Get ready AT&T customers! Now it's your turn. How the Scam Works: People nationwide (both AT&T subscribers and not) are receiving fake emails that are almost identical to the real alerts many AT&T customers get to remind them of their monthly payments. ... Continue Reading
-
FRAUD ALERT: Fake American Express Email Messages “Thanks for Updating Your Email”
American Express card holders beware! Scammers are using the credit card company's email address for a phishing scam. Consumers nationwide reported receiving fake emails informing them that their account's email address has been changed. These scam emails are remarkably sophisticated. Not only do they use the American Express logo, they copy the business's email design and color scheme. The fake messages even contain footer links labeled "View Our Privacy Policy" and "Contact Customer Service." ... Continue Reading
-
Scammers Lure Victims with Fake Free Plane Tickets
Consumers nationwide are receiving letters stating that they have won two round-trip tickets courtesy of American Airlines or US Airlines. Don't be fooled! US Airlines is not a real company, this letter is not from the real American Airlines, and sadly you have not actually won any tickets. These letters are, in fact, scams. About the scam: ... Continue Reading
-
FRAUD ALERT: Fake Android Apps Containing Malware
Android users should avoid purchasing apps at unofficial app stores. There have been several fake versions of popular apps containing malicious viruses that when downloaded install malicious code onto your mobile device. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) “It’s not easy to spot the infected versions because they look and play just like the real Angry Birds Space and Instagram.” ... Continue Reading
