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Stimulus package scam emerges

Consumers in the US have been warned to watch out for new phishing emails bearing the logo of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with false stimulus rebates or they risk compromising their online security.

The International Trademark Association and Federal Trade Commission have also warned that a phony website is being used alongside the scam to steal people's private information.

Online criminals are using the tough economic conditions to trick recipients of the emails into divulging their credit card information on the promise of receiving much needed cash, which can lead to ID theft.

Alan Drewsen, the executive director of the International Trademark Association, has warned consumers to "remain vigilant online", reports the Washington Journal.

"It's unfortunate, but we are seeing counterfeiters take advantage of people at the worst time, economically speaking," he stated.

The social engineering scam also comes bearing the images of US president Barack Obama and his vice president Joe Biden.

Consumers are advised not to respond to the messages but to either delete or forward them to the IRS.

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