The messages begin with a variation similar to this message:

August 19, 2008 by idhelper

"This is an automated email that confirms the registration of your complaint case number: [CASE NUMBER] filed by (your company) on (date) concerning Online Identity Theft. The Better Business Bureau does not resolve individual problems but your complaints help us to investigate fraud and can lead to law enforcement action." This message is followed by clickable links, attachments and request for information verification.

The "best" of these emails are hard to detect, even sometimes by the computer savvy. Remember, they often don't look suspicious, but discretion is the better part of valor when it comes to emails. Do not open attachments which can be infected with viruses or click on any links which can take you to unsafe web sites. Open a separate window and type in your local BBB website address or search using your favorite search engine. Many times you will find that the information you are receiving is close, but no cigar when it comes to the real thing. Most important, do not supply any information or even respond to the e-mail because it confirms whom they have reached.

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