09/06/2011

SCAM ALERT – FAKE FTC COMPLAINTS

By T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

** SCAM ALERT**
FAKE FTC COMPLAINTS

On September 1, 2011, a funeral home in [the state of] Delaware received an e-mail notice that claimed to be from the “Consumer Protection Department” of the Federal Trade Commission.  The e-mail had the FTC’s logo and was sent from complaints@ftc.gov.  It informed the funeral home that it was the subject of a consumer complaint and instructed it to open a link to view the complaint and contact the FTC as soon as possible.

Suspecting that it may be a scam, the funeral home contacted NFDA.  NFDA in turn contacted the FTC since we are aware that the FTC does not notify businesses of complaints by e-mail.  We also know that consumer complaints against funeral homes originate out of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection and not the non-existent Consumer Protection Department.

Craig Tregillus, the FTC Funeral Rule Coordinator, confirmed that it is a scam and that if a funeral home opens the link in the e-mail, it may install malware on their computer.  The FTC reports that thousands of businesses have received similar e-mails.  The FTC advises that any business that receives such an e-mail should immediately delete it without opening it.

If any OFDA member has a question regarding this matter, please contact General Counsel Scott Gilligan at (513) 871-6332.