I received an email from the Better Business Bureau and/or the AICPA asking me to click on a link to see the complaint that was filed against me? Is this legitimate?

On Thursday February 16, 2012, the AICPA became aware of a fraudulent email phishing scam using an AICPA banner and referencing the recipient’s possible involvement in an unlawful income tax refund activity that was sent to numerous individuals, CPAs, non-CPAs and members of the general public. The messages inform recipients that their CPA license is being terminated due to tax fraud allegations and encourages them to click on a link and reply to the charges. The link leads to a third party website that downloads a virus on to the recipient’s computer.

On Friday, February 17, the Better Business Bureau reported a phishing scam using a BBB.org email address. The messages inform recipients that there has been a complaint filed against them and/or their company and encourages the recipients to click on a link to view the complaint. The link leads to a third party website that downloads a virus on the recipient's computer.

Messages may appear to come from senders such as the AICPA, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines or the Better Business Bureau. 

Do not open any attachment or click on any link as the email may contain a virus.  While the exact source has not yet been determined, these agencies are actively investigating the situation. If you receive an email from the Better Business Bureau:

fraud scam phishing email bbb