Retailers don’t generally ask for personal information in an email.While scammers will always find new ways to deploy their schemes, you can take steps to protect yourself from these types of attacks. Earlier this year scammers targeted potential victims through a social media post supposedly posted by Walmart. This is not the first scam involving someone impersonating Walmart, nor will it be the last. The scammer can use this personal information against you in various ways, from conducting new phishing attacks to stealing your identity and accessing your other accounts. ![]() The victim is prompted to include their correct shipping address. To learn more about different types of phone scams, especially those involving robocalls and spoofing, and how to avoid them, check out the FCC Scam Glossary and Consumer Help Center.An “Update Address” button is included in the email that, if selected, will open a new email window addressed to multiple email addresses controlled by the scammer. For information about the FCC's consumer complaint process, visit the FCC's Consumer Complaint Center Q&A. ![]() The FCC shares complaint information with the FTC and other agencies that investigate scams. You can also file a complaint with the FCC regarding any type of phone scam, including this one. If you think you've experienced this type of scam, you may report it to the FTC by calling 1-87, or you can file a complaint online at. There's also no reason to give someone your checking account number or credit card number in response to a sweepstakes promotion." The Federal Trade Commission warns "legitimate sweepstakes don't make you pay a fee or buy something to enter or improve your chances of winning - that includes paying 'taxes,' 'shipping and handling charges,' or 'processing fees' to get your prize. But the scammer's goal was to use the consumer's phone line to perpetrate a fraud, and we thank this savvy consumer for flagging the scam so we can share it with others to raise awareness. Unlike a traditional phone scam, this one didn't start with an unwanted call. Just thought you should be aware of this new scam." "Of course, since I refused to give any info, I don't get the voucher. ![]() "I promptly refused, stating if it was a reward voucher, I shouldn't have to pay for it. ![]() "They then asked for a 'handling fee,' to be paid by checking account or debit card, in order to send it," the consumer wrote. The consumer went on to describe calling the toll-free number on the card and speaking to a woman who said she was sending a $100 voucher good for purchases at stores and restaurants in the consumer's area. In a recent complaint filed with the FCC via our Consumer Complaint Center, a consumer described such an experience, which began by receiving a postcard marked "urgent, regarding a reward in my name." In this scenario, you may not be receiving an unwanted call, but instead may be tricked into initiating an outbound call you may come to regret. While your typical phone scam begins with you receiving an unanticipated call on your landline or mobile phone, this scam begins with a postcard delivered to you through the US mail. Consider this a phone scam, even though no one actually calls you.
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