Scam Letter E-mailed to Michigan Residents

Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena announced today that the FBI has received multiple reports of a scam letter e-mailed to residents in Michigan and nationwide. The e-mailed letter uses a copy of the FBI seal and FBI Director Mueller’s name. The e-mailed letter directs the recipient to contact the Department of Homeland Security and send $350 in order to obtain a Clearance Certificate or legal action will be taken against the recipient. A copy of the letter is attached to this press release.

The social engineering technique of utilizing the FBI’s name is to intimidate and convince the recipient the e-mail is legitimate.

The FBI does not send out e-mails soliciting personal information or money from citizens.

Please be cautious of any unsolicited e-mail referencing the FBI, FBI Director Mueller, or any other FBI official endorsing any type of Internet activity.

To receive the latest information about cyber scams please go to the FBI website (www.fbi.gov) and sign up for e-mail alerts by clicking on one of the red envelopes. If you have received a scam e-mail please notify the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov.