ATTORNEY GENERAL LARRY LONG WARNS CONSUMERS OF FRAUDULENT EMAIL

(Pierre) – Attorney General Larry Long is warning South Dakota residents of a scam where consumers receive fraudulent emails that request personal information. The emails titled “fraud alert” direct consumers to a fake Best Buy website. They are then asked for personal information including credit card and social security numbers. Best Buy did not send this email and according to their website, “Best Buy is working with appropriate authorities to quickly contain and resolve the situation.”

“This is just another scam and a chance for unscrupulous individuals to get your personal information,” said Long. “If you receive a questionable email either delete it or verify with the company. We are also encouraging any consumers who may have responded to the email to contact their financial institutions and credit card companies.”

The Consumer Protection Division has received similar complaints about fraudulent emails sent with the PayPal and eBay company names attached. Just remember that regardless of who is sending you email you should always take the time to make sure the offer or request is legitimate. 

If you think you have replied to this or another fraudulent email, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-300-1986 or consumerhelp@state.sd.us. Also visit the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338) to file a complaint.

-30-