Scam Spotlight: Business Imposters

Companies sometimes contact customers to pitch their products at a reduced price or with additional benefits. Unfortunately, these pitches are also used by scammers impersonating real companies. Consumers might get a call, text, or email offering to lower their bill, or upgrade their current services at a reduced rate. It can sound very convincing, but is usually too good to be true.

In order to receive this discounted rate, consumers may be asked for information like their account number, security PIN, or payment information. After getting a target’s information, the scammer could contact the real company they were impersonating and pretend to be them. They might steal more of the victim’s data, make fraudulent purchases in their name, or reroute services the victim is paying for to themselves. In severe cases, identity theft could occur or the consumer could be targeted by even more scammers.

Spectrum

A recent imposter scam reported by consumers across the country targets Spectrum customers. Scammers impersonating Spectrum may claim that consumers:

· Must provide their private information over a phone call, text, or email. Sometimes this is done by requesting they complete a customer service survey.

· Need to pay with cryptocurrency, gift cards, or a banking app.

· Have to re-ship a package Spectrum mistakenly delivered to them, possibly using a shipping label they will provide.

· Need to make a payment right away to receive a discount on their service bill.

· Must download an attachment to view their receipt, bill, or an important message. This attachment likely contains malware.

Spectrum will never ask customers to open an email attachment, resend a package, pay a one-time fee for equipment, or send the company money through unusual payment methods.

Publishers Clearing House

As a well-known company that holds sweepstakes, Publishers Clearing House is often impersonated by scammers. PCH imposters may claim that consumers are prize winners who, to receive their winnings, must:

· Send money to PCH for any reason.

· Send PCH back a small percentage of the deposited winnings after cashing the prize check.

o Later, the check will bounce and the consumer will have sent their own money.

· Provide their banking information to PCH.

The real Publishers Clearing House will never demand any form of payment or personal, private information in exchange for one of their prizes.