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Think twice before clicking on link saying you've purchased music, apps

Federal Trade Commission warns of scam
Posted at 5:11 PM, Feb 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-23 17:11:14-05

INDIANAPOLIS--  Make sure to double check any emails you receive indicating you’ve bought music or apps.

The Federal Trade Commission issued a warning Friday to watch out for a new twist on an old phishing scam.

Scammers pose as well-known tech companies and email a phony invoice telling you to click on a link if you did not authorize the purchase.

Stop—do not click on the link, according to the FTC.

The scammers are using phishers, in which they use fraudulent emails, texts and copycat websites to try to get you to share your personal information.

The criminals will then use the information to steal your identity or install ransomware on your computer that can lock you out of important files.

You can report phishing emails by forwarding them to spam@uce.gov.

The FTC provided the following tips to help keep your information secure:

  • Be suspicious if a business, government agency, or organization asks you to click on a link that then asks for your username or password or other personal data. Instead, type in the web address for the organization or call them. The link in the email may look right, but if you click it you may go to a copycat website run by a scammer.
  • Be cautious about opening attachments. A scammer could even pretend to be a friend or family member, sending messages with malware from a spoofed account.
  • Set your security software to update automatically, and back up your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Back up your files regularly and use security software you trust to protect your data.

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