Department of Justice - Warns Email Spam A Hoax

The United States Department of Justice is warning citizens of an email scam that is being sent to unsuspecting recipients claiming to be from the federal agency are a hoax.  The DOJ states in their press release that the department does not send out unsolicited emails and that such messages should be reported immediately upon receipt and they list a reporting agency to make follow up complaints to. In addition the DOJ states:

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice has recently become aware of fraudulent spam e-mail messages claiming to be from DOJ. Based upon complaints from the public, it is believed that the fraudulent messages are addressed “Dear Citizen.” The messages are believed to assert that the recipients or their businesses have been the subject of complaints filed with DOJ and also forwarded to the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, such email messages may provide a case number, and state that the complaint was “filled [sic] by Mr. Henry Stewart.” A DOJ logo may appear at the top of the email message or in an attached file. Finally, the message may include an attachment that supposedly contains a copy of the complaint and contact information for Mr. Stewart.

THESE EMAIL MESSAGES ARE A HOAX. DO NOT RESPOND.

These spam email messages are bogus and should be immediately deleted. Computers may be put at risk simply by an attempt to examine these messages for signs of fraud. It is possible that by “double-clicking” on attachments to these messages, recipients will cause malicious software – e.g., viruses, keystroke loggers, or other Trojan horse programs – to be launched on their computers.

Do not open any attachment to such messages. Delete the e-mail. Empty the deleted items folder.

Be careful and follow what the DOJ recommends and do not open any attachments that may come with the hoax email. Also on the DOJ site there is a link to report this hoax should you receive such an email. Follow safe computing practices and keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software updated at all times. You may wish to pass on this information to your family and friends.
Full DOJ alert here.

[tags]doj, alert, email, hoax, [/tags]