On Sep. 25, the FBI (fbi.gov) issued a warning about fake emails designed to extort money or install malware on the recipient’s computer. The warning said, “The FBI continues to receive reports of spam e-mails that use FBI officials’ names and titles in online fraud schemes. Although there are different variations of these schemes, recipients are typically notified they have received a large sum of money. The latest round of e-mails uses the name of new FBI Director James B. Comey.”
In addition to using the names of FBI officials in the emails, some spammers contain a sender name of “Anti Terrorist & Monetary Crimes Division” of the FBI. All of the emails, according to the warning, include instructions for sending money.
These emails are all a scam. The warning also explained why this type of email would never be sent by a government agency. “Neither government agencies nor government officials send unsolicited e-mail to members of the public. United States government agencies use the legal process to contact individuals.”
Tips to avoid becoming a victim
- Never click on a link or an attachment in an unsolicited email.
- If a link in an email refers to a website, go to that website independently instead of clicking the link.
- If you are going to click on a link in an email, always check the link by placing your mouse over it and checking the address carefully. If there are any discrepancies, do not click the link.
- If you have received a message that purports to be from the FBI, disregard its instructions and file a complaint at www.IC3.gov.
