Why Better Business Bureau is warning about top scams of year

An email with a picture of your favorite musician and a link to see more images might be a hacker trying to gain control of your computer. A message with your bank logo seeking answers to a couple of questions, such as your mother's maiden name, might be someone attempting to steal your identity, according to the Better Business Bureau.

The bureau is attempting to educate people on the top scams of 2017. Phishing scams top the list for the first time, said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois.

He added that phishing has pushed out tax collection scams as the top problem of the year.

Phishing scams have become the doorway for many cyber criminals to launch ransomware and malware attacks on businesses and consumers, and often leads to massive losses in money and valuable data.

To avoid being a victim, never click on links or open attachments from unsolicited emails and never provide personal information without first verifying the source, Bernas said.

"The more we inform consumers on scam tactics, what to look for and how to avoid them, the better chance we have to stop fraudsters in their tracks," Bernas said.

He added that another popular scam is when someone calls and requests that you pay a bill or make a payment within 30 minutes. Bernas said utility companies or the IRS will never request that you pay a bill quickly. "The only time you pay for something in 30 minutes is when you order a pizza," Bernas said.

Another scam that lighted up Scam Tracker in 2017 was the "Can You Hear Me" phone scam, in which fraudsters faked having a headset problem in an attempt to get unsuspecting victims to say "yes" on a recorded line - which could be used as phony proof of purchases in the future.

Rounding out the top three reflects the proliferation of "Online Purchase Scams" as the number of fake websites continues to rise. Scammers pose as legitimate operations selling fake vacations, high-demand merchandise at discount prices, and even fake pets.

"That's why our online Scam Tracker tool is so vital in the work we do," added Bernas. "We are only as good as the information we receive so that's why it's so important for consumers to report any activity they suspect is fraudulent to BBB Scam Tracker, even if they themselves weren't scammed. We consider those who report to be citizen heroes because they are informing others and helping us to do the same. Knowledge is power and it's one of the most powerful tools we have to help put a stop to scams."

It's important to do your homework, Bernas said. "Before your buy or hire - BBB it," is the motto that the bureau is promoting.

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