A Wisconsin resident received a fraudulent email from a Texas-based funeral home and when the person opened the email, it infected his computer with malicious software (malware), according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Officials are warning residents that if they receive a similar email, delete it.
The email had information about an upcoming funeral service for “a friend” and provides a link, which takes the user to a foreign website that has a .zip file that gets automatically downloaded to the person’s computer. When the zip file is opened, the malware is installed on the person’s computer.
The email the Wisconsin resident received was from a legitimate business called Eubank Funeral Home & Cremation Services. The business has posted a warning message on their website warning the public about the scam and the misuse of its name. But there have been similar emails with names of other businesses.
If you have any questions or want to file a consumer complaint, please visit datcp.wi.gov, send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or call the Consumer Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-422-7128. Connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wiconsumer.