|
For
Immediate Release
May 8, 2008
|
Washington
D.C.
FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691
|
FBI
Warns of Phishing Scam Related to Economic Stimulus Checks
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.
