‘Did You get Your Refund’ Emails Open Binary Options Scam Website

According to this email, I’ve been sent a refund of $231.45. The email suggests that I click a link to review the transaction online. The “transaction number” listed in the email implies that the alleged refund is related to an Amazon transaction.

Here’s what the email looks like:

Subject: RE: Did you get your refund?

Dear client,

We have successfully sent your refund.

Please refer this transactions below:

Refund Date: April 20, 2017

Transaction Number: AMAZON4312744

Item Number: FST4136

Refund Amount: $231.45

Completed

>> Please view transaction online

Thank you.

Sadly, there is no refund, from Amazon or anyone else, and the link does not open any transaction document.

Instead, the link opens a decidedly dodgy website that promises to teach me how to get rich very quickly. The site features a video outlining an “amazing” online trading system that promises to make thousands of dollars per day. The site claims that you can get the software “100% Free”. But, later, it explains that you’ll need to pay a $250 deposit to make the system work.

The supposed system is a typical binary options scam. People who participate will not make the amounts of money described in the video. If they are lucky, they may make a small return on their initial investment. More likely, they will lose the lot. And, to participate, you need to provide your personal information and your credit card numbers. The scammers running such websites may use any information you disclose to steal your identity. Or, they may sell your information to other criminals.

This company is using a deliberately deceptive spam campaign to grab your attention. Its promotional messages claim that you have received a refund when no such refund exists. And, it implies an association with Amazon when no such association exists.

Any company or individual that uses such underhand tactics should never be trusted with your credit card numbers and your personal information. If this email comes your way, just hit the “delete” key.