In the past few weeks, a number of consumers have been receiving unsolicited e-mails that appear to be news alerts from CNN or MSNBC, or from the FBI. However, before you open the e-mail or click on link, use caution. The e-mail could contain a virus that will allow a criminal to use your computer for sending out spam or obtaining your personal information.
If you receive this e-mail or other unsolicited e-mails,
• Resist the temptation to open it until you can verify that the address of the sender is legitimate. Often, the address line from virus laden e-mails may contain extra words that may seem unusual and could signal that it is not from a legitimate source. If you want to visit the website, go to an address that you know is accurate.
• Do not click on any attachments or links embedded into the message or respond to the e-mail any other way.
• Never provide personal information if the e-mail seems suspicious .
To protect your computer further, its also a good idea to install and update anti-virus and anti-spyware programs on a regular basis.
If you are targeted by unsolicited e-mails, report the activity to your internet service provider and forward it to the Federal Trade Commission at www.spam.uce.gov.