FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
October 13, 2016
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
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AG STRANGE WARNS OF SCAMMERS POSING AS MEMBERS OF
BOARD OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY TO GET PERSONAL INFORMATION
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange warned that people are
receiving emails, purported to be from the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy
(ASBPA), 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 stated 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.”
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us
