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Health & Fitness

Is Refund Email from Book Sellers Legitimate?

Although there have been no reports of phony emails related to the settlement, in the past, cyber-criminals moved quickly to replicate these kinds of emails.

Better Business Bureau says Be Careful with Refund Notices

Amazon and Barnes and Noble have begun sending out refund notices to consumers who bought e-books between April 2010 and May, 2012, as part of the settlement of a price-fixing lawsuit.  However, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to beware of potential fake versions of the email.

The refunds are the result of a suit brought by the Justice Department and attorneys general in 33 states against five publishers and Apple, who were accused of artificially inflating the price of digital books. 

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Click here to see examples of the emails.

The refunded amount is credited directly to consumers.  The emails do contain links, however, rather than clicking on them, recipients can simply log-in to their accounts directly to look for the refund. 

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If you receive a notice that appears to come from Amazon or Barnes and Noble but asks for personal information, or includes an attachment, it is likely a phishing email that may either download malicious software or ask for personal or financial information. 

Although there have been no reports of phony emails related to the settlement, in the past, cyber-criminals moved quickly to replicate these kinds of emails. 

The total cost of the settlement is $155 million, and effects 23 million consumers.  The average cost of the payout is about $7.00, depending on how many books purchased during the period mentioned in the lawsuit. 

BBB encourages consumers who receive a notice of refund or credit to confirm whether the funds appear in their store accounts. 

You can find more information about the lawsuit and settlement at https://ebooksagsettlements.com.  If you have questions, you may get in touch with the settlement administrators at 1-866-621-4153 or by email at info@EBooksAGSettlements.com

-By Howard Schwartz, Executive Communications Director, Connecticut Better Business Bureau

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