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Cyber Criminals Created Fake Social Security Administration’s Sites

Phishers have created fake websites of SSA (Social Security Administration), US, to attack individuals who are about to receive stimulus payment for economic recovery in May 2009.

Through his new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed in February 2009, President Barack Obama has facilitated almost 55 Million people getting Supplemental Security Income, Social Security, veteran or Railroad Retirement benefits to get $250 as economic recovery compensation. However, payment amounting to $13 Billion that started distributing on May 7, 2009 and would extend till June 4, 2009 is now under scammers' attack.

Mark Hinkle, Spokesman for the SSA, states that the agency has come to know about online frauds that involve e-mails. These e-mails ask users to follow links leading to Internet sites that look like SSA's, as reported by The Wall Street Online on May 10, 2009.

Furthermore, the potential victims are directed on the fraudulent sites to provide their private information like Social Security number and bank account number where the supposed stimulus check would be deposited. However, as these details are divulged, the scammers steal the victims' identities or rob their bank accounts.

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) says that some phishing fraudsters are taking advantage of the confusion that Social Security recipients are facing regarding the way to become eligible for the stimulus payment. The confusion is chiefly about the difference in the distribution mode of stimulus payments for 2009 vs. 2008, according to Danielle Holland, Senior Manager for Economic Security at AARP, as reported by The Wall Street Online on May 10, 2009.

Warning people to stay away from the scams, General Wade Walters, Assistant Inspector for External Relations, reminded users that there were always scam artists on the Internet who sought to take advantage of the opportunity any time a new benefit was issued or the government distributed checks, as reported by SCMagazineUS on May 11, 2009.

Additionally, the SSA cautioned online people not to give out their personal details to anyone who claimed they were required for handing out the payment. Further, if any such suspicious e-mails arrive, then users should contact the OIG (Office of Inspector General) instantly.

Related article: Cyber Child abuser Sentenced To Imprisonment

» SPAMfighter News - 5/19/2009

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