| FBI Warns People From Opening Malicious E-mail |
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NEW YORK, April 18 (Bernama) -- The FBI has warned computer owners against opening a malicious e-mail that tells the recipients they have been summoned to appear before a grand jury and threatens them with contempt of court if they do not do so, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported Friday.
At first glance, FBI says, the e-mail appears authentic, as it contains a court case number, federal code, name and address of a California federal court, court room number, issuing officers' names, and the court's seal.
The spammer directs recipients to click the link provided in the e-mail in order to download and print associated information for their records. If the recipient clicks the link, a malicious code is downloaded onto their computer, the FBI said.
The e-mail also contains language threatening recipients with contempt of court charges if they fail to appear. Recipients are told the subpoena will remain in effect until the court grants a release, the Indian news agency quoted James E Finch, Assistant Director of the FBI's Cyber Division as saying.
As with most spam, the content contains multiple spelling errors, the investigating agency stresses, and advised the recipients to contact the issuing court clerk's office for validation.
Subpoenas are generally served in person, by mail or fax, not by e-mail.
"Computer based scams and fraudulent activities are rampant on the internet these days.
"People should delete unsolicited e-mail, especially from an unknown sender. If you accidentally open the e-mail, do not click any embedded links, as they may contain a virus or malware which will harm your computer," said Finch.
-- BERNAMA
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