FROM STAFF REPORTS

Attorney General Luther Strange is warning that people are receiving emails, purported to be from the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy, that request sensitive personal information or business information.

Many of those receiving the requests are professional members who are licensed by the Board; however, many are out of state individuals who have no affiliation with the Board.

“Recently, several emails have been sent by what appears to be an ASBPA email account requesting personal and/or business information,” the Board wrote in a message to the members it has been able to notify. “Some of these emails contain attached documents or links to download documents. These emails are not being sent from the Board and you should not download or open any attachments or click on any links contained therein.”

The Board is not currently requesting any information from licensees, and in the aftermath of a similar situation in August, the ASBPA assured that it would never request sensitive information through email. If someone receives a request for information and has any questions, he or she is asked to contact the Board at 334-242-5700.  Those recipients are also encouraged to notify their colleagues in Alabama and other states, as well.

Attorney General Strange warns all consumers to be wary of inquiries asking for personal financial information and other private data.

“Even if you believe you know and are associated with the organization, it is best to check with them directly,” he said. “Unfortunately it is more and more common for scammers to pose as a trusted source and trick people into sharing their information.”