The Better Business Bureau is warning businesses and consumers to exercise caution if they receive an email claiming to be from Norton LifeLock.
NortonLifeLock Inc, is a BBB Accredited Business and is aware of the situation.
A 71-year-old California woman recently received one of these emails and called the number, thinking it was actually from LifeLock. Once on the line, the scammer convinced her it was time to renew her subscription, and he would help her by logging onto her computer. She allowed him to log in.
The scammer then stated he wanted to verify he was with LifeLock and printed out a letter that appeared to be from a Connecticut BBB address, signed by the BBB CEO — using the victim’s printer.
The scammer then had the victim log into her bank account, stating he had overcharged her and would refund the money if she entered a special code that the scammer sent to her computer. She entered it, and money appeared in her account as bitcoin. Then she started getting suspicious.
While keeping the scammer on the phone, she went to a nearby friend’s house and called BBB for guidance. She then called Norton to see if the letter was from them (it was not), and she called her bank to verify if the scammer’s claims were legitimate (they were not).
Once the victim knew the claims were not true, she hung up the phone and turned off her computer. Unfortunately, since the impostor had her cell number, he then started to text her, accusing her of being dishonest and getting him fired.
All in all, the scammer used a phishing email, impostored LifeLock, impostered BBB, used a remote computer takeover (often used in tech support scams), a cryptocurrency scam, and then started smishing (sending fake texts pretending to be someone else).
Norton LifeLock Inc approved the following statement: “On May 12, 2022, BBB received a notice that the business’s name is being used by scammers who are impersonating BBB. The impostor sent letters impersonating BBB and Norton LifeLock Inc in a scheme to demand money from consumers. Please be advised that BBB does not send out mailers to consumers in regards to payments/collections for a business.”
The business asks consumers to review the “Important tips to help you avoid fraudulent Norton support scams” page of their website for guidance and tips on how to avoid scams.
BBB does sometimes reach out to consumers and businesses via U.S. Mail or Canada Post; however, BBB will never ask for passwords, information to access your personal device, or personal information in a letter. If you are unsure if it’s really the BBB calling, tell the caller you will call them back and end the call so you can confirm. If you receive a letter in the mail from BBB, check the phone number on the letterhead and make sure it matches the BBB phone number listed on BBB.org. You can also reach out to your local BBB by calling them directly.
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Local law enforcement is concerned about the impact of scams on area residents, particularly the elderly.
Consequently, this newspaper works with local police and sheriff’s departments to keep residents updated on common schemes. Scam Alerts will appear in future editions as often as possible in the coming weeks.
Readers can also find online scam updates Thursdays at windomnews.com.
If you have been the target of a scam, your first contact should be local authorities. Also, feel free to contact us with details (we can keep your name confidential).
Send your story to: rahnl@windomnews.com, or call 507-831-3455. By sharing, you could prevent someone from being scammed.
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