FBI Warns Scam Emails Look Like Official Correspondence

Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena announced today that the FBI has received reports of a scam letter that may look like official correspondence from the FBI e-mailed to residents in Michigan and nationwide.

The e-mailed letter uses a copy of the FBI seal and FBI Director Robert Mueller’s name. It directs the recipient to contact the Department of Homeland Security and send $350 in order to obtain a Clearance Certificate, or legal action will be taken.

The social engineering technique of utilizing the FBI’s name is to intimidate and convince the recipient the e-mail is legitimate, Arena said.

The FBI does not send out e-mails soliciting personal information or money from citizens.

To receive the latest information about cyber scams, visit the FBI website (fbi.gov) and sign up for e-mail alerts by clicking on one of the red envelopes. If you have received a scam e-mail, please notify the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by filing a complaint at ic3.gov.