The e-mail reads:
"The hotel Arriva Hotel informed us that the data of given credit card was not accepted (the reservation number GDJN86381358).
"It could happen because of several reasons:
"Expiration date -- end -- does the expiration date of the card finish until the date arrival registration?
"The reasonable balance -- did the card have enough money on the card for reservation?
"The type of the card -- does the hotel accept such a type of the card?
"You shouldnt worry about it. Your hotel reservation is actually.
"However in order to guarantee its keeping, you have to refresh the credit card date during 36 hours after this message receiving.
"Print the reservation, fill it in and fax to the hotel address.
"Print Booking Details
"If you do not update your credit card date, a penalty for reservation cancellation or prepayment of 178$, which is provided under the terms of booking will be imposed."
If you are the recipient of this e-mail, your first thought most likely is that you have no idea what it's all about as you have not made a hotel reservation. So you think "delete it." Then you may think about responding, since there is the possibility someone may have gotten possession of your credit card number.
The correct action is to immediately delete it.
This is a scam. They are phishing for personal information (credit card number, etc.) for identity theft purposes.
BOOKING.com is a legitimate firm and has issued the following alert: "We have become aware that e-mails have been sent purporting to come from Booking.com confirming a nonexistent hotel reservation. These e-mails contain an attachment that when clicked may contain malware or viruses." The company further says that it is not the originator of the e-mails and would never send any attachments with e-mail.
We agree with Booking.com's advice to simply delete such e-mail and to never open unfamiliar attachments. In addition, always use virus software to protect your computer and make sure it is updated. If you have opened the attachment, immediately update your virus software and run it."
Rebate postcards
Once again postcards are being mailed to area residents stating, "You have been selected to receive $100.00 in gift rebates good at WAL-MART, TARGET, and more."
Wal-Mart and Target are not associated with this solicitation. If recipients call the number listed, they will be asked to pay a fee (usually $3.95), which is a membership to a savings club. If you want to join, we suggest you carefully read and understand the membership agreement before signing.
Dreama Jensen is area director of the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana. Contact the BBB at 574-675-9351 or visit www.bbb.org.
