The Better Business Bureau is reporting that scammers who claim to be from the agency are contacting consumers via fraudulent calls and emails.

In the scam, callers reportedly offer to remove a virus from the recipient’s computer. The claim is that the computer was infected when the recipient unintentionally downloaded a virus from an email scam using the BBB name. Consumers have reported that the scammers are calling from 858-102-3252.

BBB cautions consumers not to disclose any personal information to callers, nor to install or download any software that the caller recommends.

Since late November, many consumers and business owners nationwide have received phishing emails that appear to be from a BBB.org email address. These emails inform the recipient of a nonexistent BBB complaint against their business and encourage them to respond.

In a newer take on the scam, emails urge the recipient to update their information with BBB by completing an online form.

All emails either contain an attachment or a link to a third-party website, both of which download a virus onto the computer.

Should you receive a suspicious email, do not click on any links. You can test the links by using the mouse to hover over them. The destination of the links should appear in a small pop-up box next to the link or at the bottom of the computer screen. If the email is a scam, the website shown will not be the BBB.org site.

Consumers and businesses with questions should contact the BBB at 800-828-5000