Before you respond to that customer satisfaction survey e-mail from your bank, credit card company or other familiar business, consider this: It might be a scam. The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are now trying to get consumers to part with their personal information by posing as financial institutions and other businesses interested in getting feedback from clients.
Here's how the scam works: You get an e-mail or text message asking you to fill out a customer satisfaction survey. It looks legitimate because the company's logo is on the survey, and the questions pertain to the company's products or services. One fake Bank of America survey that is circulating actually states that customers will get a $200 credit to their account for filling out the survey. And, hey, who would pass up an extra $200?
But after answering typical customer satisfaction questions, you'll be asked to provide detailed personal information -- such as your credit card, checking account and Social Security numbers. This is when the red flag should go up.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Legitimate businesses won't ask for this sort of information on a survey, according to BBB. And if an e-mail prompts you to click on a link or download a file to take a survey, it likely will take you to a fraudulent site or install malware on your computer. To determine whether a link will actually take you to a legitimate company's site, use your mouse to hover over it to see the true url appear in your browser or bottom corner of your screen.
Scam e-mails often are poorly written, too, and address you as "Dear customer" rather than by name. If the e-mail asks you to call a phone number to participate in a survey, don't call the number provided. Instead, dial the company's customer service number. You can find that number on an old account statement or on a company's official Web site. If the survey is legit, a customer service agent can transfer you.
-
How to Adopt AI and Keep Employees HappyThe Kiplinger Letter As business adoption of AI picks up, employee morale could take a hit. But there are ways to avoid an AI backlash.
-
Don’t Let Your Dreams Go Unfulfilled: Plan for Your Passion in RetirementFollow these three steps to ensure you are emotionally and financially prepared for your passion in retirement.
-
The 8 Financial Documents You Should Always ShredIdentity Theft The financial documents piling up at home put you at risk of fraud. Learn the eight types of financial documents you should always shred to protect yourself.
-
How to Guard Against the New Generation of Fraud and Identity TheftIdentity Theft Fraud and identity theft are getting more sophisticated and harder to spot. Stay ahead of the scammers with our advice.
-
12 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud and ScamsIdentity Theft Think you can spot the telltale signs of frauds and scams? Follow these 12 tips to stay safe from evolving threats and prevent others from falling victim.
-
Watch Out for These Travel Scams This SummerIdentity Theft These travel scams are easy to fall for and could wreck your summer. Take a moment to read up on the warning signs and simple ways to protect yourself.
-
How to Guard Against Identity Theft in 2025Scammers are getting better at impersonating legitimate businesses.
-
Social Media Scams Cost Consumers $2.7B, Study ShowsScams related to online shopping, investment schemes and romance top the FTC's social media list this year.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
