Federal Trade Commission Investigation Scam

The FTC has a lot of ongoing investigations, but they’re not going to email you about them.

Who Is It Targeting: Email users

What Is It: An email phishing scam

What Are They After: This scam has become so widespread that the Federal Trade Commission had to step in and make a public announcement. According to the email, the scammers send out, the FTC is conducting an investigation and is updating you on your pending case.

Obviously, if you get word that any government agency is investigating anything with your name on it, you’re going to sit up and take notice. That’s what the scammers are counting on. Once you click the link to verify your information or check on the status of the investigation, the work of stealing your personal identifiable information begins.

How Can You Avoid It:

• The FTC (and most government agencies, including the IRS…another popular subject of these emails) will never email you with information about an investigation.
• If you were actually connected to a case of some kind, you would receive information in writing through the mail.
• Never click any links or open any attachments that come through email if you weren’t expecting them.

If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center for toll-free, no-cost assistance at (888) 400-5530. Find more information about current scams and alerts here.

For full details of this scam check out this article from NCConsumer.org.