FBI Warns of New Email Credit Card Theft Scam

The FBI is warning consumers of a new email scam designed to trick victims into giving up personal information that would allow the thieves to use their credit cards. In an ironic twist, this scam directs the victims to a Website that appears to have the official FBI Web address.

The FBI today is warning consumers of an e-mail scam which directs recipients to a web site that appears to be the official FBI public web address. It is instead a hoax site which is titled "Mass theft of debit cards." The site encourages users to surrender personal information pertaining to debit cards in order to ensure that "any fraud operations with your account…not be made." Again, this is not a product or solicitation by the FBI. Rather it is a serious violation of federal law and one that we are investigating vigorously.

The FBI has been aware of similar schemes in the past where solicitations for personal information has occurred and the perpetrators have falsely identified themselves as internet service provider representatives, businesses, or financial institutions. The FBI takes this matter seriously and strongly encourages the public to be very skeptical of any online requests for personal information including credit card and social security numbers.

Should anyone be directed to this website, or any other that appears authentic but solicits personal information, we encourage you to contact the nearest FBI Field Office or the Internet Fraud Complaint Center at http://www.ifccfbi.gov [FBI press release]

Also See: How Not to Get E-Taken and 'Phishing' For Your Identity