In most cases, you will be well aware of any recent purchases you have made, but there may be exceptions such as iTunes or some other retailers where small ticket items are frequently purchased. This particular scam begins with a receipt email from a company you may have done business with in the past featuring links to order details and shipping information. Some may even have the receipt attached as a PDF file.

As always, let caution be your guide when approaching such a situation. In many cases, an unfamiliar receipt email is not the result of a forgotten purchase, but a clever way to trick users into clicking on false links. Very often, the transaction in question never took place; the scammers just want the reader to panic and click on one of the links to find out more about the alleged purchase.

If you know you didn't buy the items in question, then simply ignore the email. Just delete it.

If you are not sure weather or not you may have made the suspected purchase or you are concerned that someone else may have used your credit card, there are safer ways to find out.

First, see if you recognize the company who sent the email. Do a search on the name and see if they are legit. Call their customer service number and have them look up the order number.

Most internet resellers require that you sign-up for an account on their site prior to making a purchase. It only takes a few seconds and is very useful for tracking history and purchases later on. In a fresh browser window or tab, type in the url for the company, DO NOT use any links from the email. Logon to your account and verify the purchase.

Suppose you don't recognize the company or the transaction? Check with your financial institution to see if your card was charged. If the charge was made fraudulently, they can help you deactivate the card right away.

Most importantly, whenever you are dealing with potentially harmful emails, don't panic or play into the hands of these scammers. Make sure you have adequate protection for your computer and that the utilities you use are up to date and working properly.