State consumer officials warn about email scam

Friday, September 16, 2011, Vol. 35, No. 37

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Consumer Affairs Division is warning about emails that request participation in a survey and promise a gift card in return.

The division said in a news release that instead of receiving a gift card, participants receive calls from telemarketers.

Officials said scammers are posing as retail chains or fast food restaurants. The emails sometimes include a company logo and copyright of a retail chain or food business, making the survey seem legitimate.