FBI Warns of Phishing Scam Related to Economic Stimulus
Checks
Washington - The Federal Bureau of Investigation warns
consumers of recently reported spam e-mail purportedly from the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which is actually an attempt to
steal consumer information. The e-mail advises the recipient
that direct deposit is the fastest and easiest way to receive
their economic stimulus tax rebate. The message contains a
hyperlink to a fraudulent form which requests the recipient's
personally identifiable information, including bank account
information. To convince consumers to reply, the e-mail warns
that a failure to complete the form in a timely manner will
delay the issuance of the rebate check.
One example of this IRS spam e-mail message is as follows:
"Over 130 million Americans will receive refunds as part of
President Bush's program to jumpstart the economy.
Our records indicate that you are qualified to receive the 2008
Economic Stimulus Refund.
The fastest and easiest way to receive your refund is by direct
deposit to your checking/savings account.
Please follow the link and fill out the form and submit before
May 10th, 2008 to ensure that your refund will be processed as
soon as possible.
Submitting your form on May 10th, 2008 or later means that your
refund will be delayed due to the volume of requests we
anticipate for the Economic Stimulus Refund.
To access Economic Stimulus refund, please click here."
"Various forms of online fraud continue to proliferate on the
internet and people should take the appropriate precautions to
protect themselves," said Special Agent Richard J. Kolko, FBI
National Press Office.
Please be cautious of unsolicited e-mails. It is recommended not
to open e-mails from unknown senders because they often contain
viruses or other malicious software. It is also recommended to
avoid clicking links in e-mails received from unknown senders as
this is a popular method of directing victims to phishing
websites.
If you have received an e-mail similar to this, please notify
the IC3 by filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov. More information
on scams is also available on www.fbi.gov and
www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com.
Source: FBI
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