The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued an urgent warning to Gmail and Outlook users regarding a widespread email scam involving a fraudulent government emergency notice.
The email, appearing to come from government agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), claims to provide a critical update on a declared government emergency. The message urges recipients to click on a link or open an attachment to access the emergency information.
Opening the link or attachment downloads a malicious payload onto the recipient's computer. This payload can steal sensitive information, including passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data.
The FBI emphasizes that legitimate government agencies do not use email to declare emergencies or solicit personal information. Users are advised to:
"This scam is a sophisticated attempt to exploit people's fears and anxieties during emergencies," said FBI Special Agent David Matthews. "By following these precautions, individuals can protect themselves from becoming victims."
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other government agencies are working to combat this scam and have taken steps to disable phishing websites used to distribute the malicious payload.
The FBI predicts that this scam will continue to evolve, and users should remain vigilant to protect themselves from similar phishing attempts in the future.
Read also: Rebecca Kutler, A Philly Native, Appointed As New MSNBC President, Succeeding Rashida Jones