COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The FBI is warning consumers to be on the lookout for a new scam in their e-mail inbox. This isn’t from someone claiming you’ve won a huge prize and you must first send in money to claim it. No, this e-mail is claiming to be from United States Attorney General Eric Holder.
The e-mail alleges the Department of Homeland Security and FBI have been informed of your alleged involvement in money laundering and terrorist-related activities. In order to avoid legal prosecution, you must pay $370 for a certificate from the Economic Financial Crimes Commission chairman. It even gives you an e-mail address where you can obtain the certificate.
FBI Special Agent Harry Trombitas said the certificate and e-mail are fake. “Clearly another scam,” he said. “It comes back I believe to a Nigerian government site.”
But he said the scammers have almost certainly collected money from some. “Basically the idea is to scare these people because when a lot of people get e-mails from a government agency like the FBI or attorney generals office, they pay attention."
Trombitas said that if the FBI needs to reach you, one way they won't try is through e-mail. “We knock on the door, we show them our identification, let them know what we're there to talk to them about,” said Trombitas.
If you receive such an e-mail, never click on a link and immediately hit delete. Meanwhile, would-be victims are encouraged to file a complaint at the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
Trombitas said this isn't the only scam going around claiming to be from a federal government agency. He emphasizes the importance of not replying to these e-mails with money or personal information. Again, he said a federal agency will not try to reach you via e-mail.
For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement