Sunday, December 13, 2009

FRAUD ALERT - Phishing Scam Alert!

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has received reports of fraudulent emails (phishing) referencing a CDC sponsored State Vaccination Program for H1N1. The messages request that users create a personal H1N1 (swine flu) Vaccination Profile on the CDC.gov website.

Users that click on the embedded link in the email are at risk of having malicious code installed on their system. CDC reminds users to take the following steps to reduce the risk of being a victim of a phishing attack:

* Do not open or respond to unsolicited email messages.
* Do not click links embedded in emails from unknown senders.
* Use caution when entering personal information online.
* Regularly update anti-virus, spyware, firewall, and anti-spam software

Despite recirculating email, it is still not necessary to Register Cell Phones to avoid annoying telemarketing calls
As the number of phone numbers on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry surpassed 139 million, the Federal Trade Commission has reiterated that despite the claims made in emails circulating on the internet, consumers should not be concerned that their cell phone numbers will be released to telemarketers at any time in the near future. In addition, according to the agency, it is not necessary to register cell phone numbers on the DNC Registry to be protected from most telemarketing calls to cell phones.
Victim Hotline Available to File Claims
FTC has announced the MoneyGram International has agreed to pay $18 million to the Federal Trade Commission to settle charges that it knowingly allowed con artists to use its operation to swindle consumers out of millions of dollars. The money will go directly provide relief to victims. If you were a victum, call 202-326-3755 for information on how to submit a claim.
For more information on frauds and scams, go to www.aarpfraudfighters.org

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