The FBI is warning residents to be cautious of an e-mail claiming that a complaint has been filed against them or their company with a government agency. The complaint also could unleash a computer virus that “phishes” for passwords, authorities
The FBI is warning residents to be cautious of an e-mail claiming that a complaint has been filed against them or their company with a government agency.
The complaint also could unleash a computer virus that “phishes” for passwords, authorities say.
“Phishing” is when links or attachments bait a recipient into entering personal information, making that recipient a more vulnerable target for account theft.
The fraudulent e-mails state that a complaint has been filed with the Department of Justice, Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, or the Better Business Bureau could be used to try to elicit personal information from the recipient for identity-theft purposes.
According to an FBI prepared statement, the e-mails, which appear as legitimate messages from the above departments, address the recipients by name.
The e-mails also claim to be urgent and ask residents to click on a link, open an attachment, or initiate a telephone call.
Federal authorities say the e-mail refers to a complaint that is in the form of an attachment, which contains virus software designed to steal passwords from the recipient.
The virus is wrapped in a screensaver file wherein most anti-virus programs are unable to detect its malicious intent.
Once downloaded, the virus is designed to monitor username and password logins, and record the activity, as well as other password-type information that is entered on the compromised computer.
Information obtained during the FBI investigation has been provided to the Department of Homeland Security.
“Through FBI investigations we frequently uncover information about ongoing cyber attacks and scams. We share this information through our partnership with DHS to alert the public and the private sector,” James E. Finch, assistant director of the FBI’s cyber division, said in the release.
Residents are being asked by federal authorities to be wary of any e-mail received from an unknown sender. They are also being asked not to open any unsolicited e-mail and to avoid clicking on any links provided.
To receive the latest information about cyber scams, go to the FBI Web site and sign up for e-mail alerts. To report an e-mail scam, notify the IC3 by filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov.
• Amanda C. Gregg, assistant editor/staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@kauaipubco.com.
