There were approximately 22,000 BEC complaints reported last year and the report indicated that the financial losses amounted to more than 2.7 billion dollars.
You may have received an email from your employer to warn against opening emails from unknown addresses—IC3’s report shows why. Fraudsters can use this method to make an unauthorized transfer of funds by opening an email or clicking on a link within an anonymous email.
Fraudsters use BEC in any way possible, including using vulnerable merchant emails, W-2 information requests, and requests for large amounts of gift cards.
To avoid this scam, be sure to check the email address or URL, these will usually contain another letter or number to make it look like a legitimate address, and whatever you do, don’t click on a link in an unsolicited email or text message. asking you to confirm your account information.