De Master Yoda
05-09-2008, 08:49 AM
Scam alert: FBI warns of fraudulent e-mails
El Paso Times Staff
Article Launched: 05/09/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT
It's unfortunate, but people must always be on guard against scams and fraud, and should pay close attention to warnings about such activities.
One of the latest schemes seems unusually brassy, because it uses the name of FBI Director Robert M. Mueller. Utilizing this blatant misrepresentation, the e-mails solicit personal information for lottery endorsements and inheritance notifications.
For one thing, most people realize that the FBI simply doesn't work this way. A written statement from the FBI's National Press Office recently said, "The FBI does not send out e-mails soliciting personal information from citizens. Please be cautious of any unsolicited e-mail referencing the FBI, FBI Director Mueller, or any other FBI officials endorsing any type of Internet activity."
It's also good to remember that many people, particularly the elderly and the poor, can be led to believe that they have won a lottery or a sweepstakes or have inherited money. Victimizing such people is reprehensible, but morals and ethics aren't the strong suits of scammers.
Also, when economic times are tough, as they are now, people are more easily attracted to the vision of "free" money and are more likely to bite on such a scam.
But giving away personal information can be devastating, leading to months or years spent recovering from identity theft.
Beware of scams, especially this latest one concerning the FBI. They certainly look legitimate, using Mueller's photo, a seal and official-looking
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letterhead.
Don't believe them.
If you think you've received some scam e-mail, you may file a complaint at www.ic3.gov
El Paso Times Staff
Article Launched: 05/09/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT
It's unfortunate, but people must always be on guard against scams and fraud, and should pay close attention to warnings about such activities.
One of the latest schemes seems unusually brassy, because it uses the name of FBI Director Robert M. Mueller. Utilizing this blatant misrepresentation, the e-mails solicit personal information for lottery endorsements and inheritance notifications.
For one thing, most people realize that the FBI simply doesn't work this way. A written statement from the FBI's National Press Office recently said, "The FBI does not send out e-mails soliciting personal information from citizens. Please be cautious of any unsolicited e-mail referencing the FBI, FBI Director Mueller, or any other FBI officials endorsing any type of Internet activity."
It's also good to remember that many people, particularly the elderly and the poor, can be led to believe that they have won a lottery or a sweepstakes or have inherited money. Victimizing such people is reprehensible, but morals and ethics aren't the strong suits of scammers.
Also, when economic times are tough, as they are now, people are more easily attracted to the vision of "free" money and are more likely to bite on such a scam.
But giving away personal information can be devastating, leading to months or years spent recovering from identity theft.
Beware of scams, especially this latest one concerning the FBI. They certainly look legitimate, using Mueller's photo, a seal and official-looking
Advertisement
letterhead.
Don't believe them.
If you think you've received some scam e-mail, you may file a complaint at www.ic3.gov