Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is warning consumers about bogus collection emails that appear to come from her office. The emails began circulating last week and include an "Administrative Office" subject line.
The emails claim recipients are delinquent on payday loans and that a payment must be made to avoid legal ramifications. Consumers are asked to click a link, open an attachment or reply. The emails include an Oregon Department of Justice seal and references to state and federal consumer protection laws.
Rosenblum's office recommends that consumers avoid opening the email or clicking on any links, which could end up sending malware to scan for financial information on their computers.
"These emails pull out all the stops to look official: They refer to the attorney general by name (Ellen F. Rosenblum), have an Oregon Department of Justice seal, references to state and federal consumer protection laws, and what look like real Oregon Department of Justice links. The truth is that they're fakes," the office reported in a consumer alert. "Neither the Attorney General, nor the Oregon Department of Justice, would ever send you an email like this."
