FBI warns of e-mail scams

WASHINGTON, July 18 (UPI) -- The FBI is telling Americans to be alert for three separate scams when they're checking their e-mails.

The FBI said on its Web site Tuesday that its Internet Crime Complaint Center has received a rising number of complaints about the Internet scams over the past few weeks

In one scam, spam e-mail messages claim to be from an official of the U.S. military sent on behalf of American soldiers stationed overseas. The scam e-mails vary in content but the general theme is to request personal information and/or money.

In another scam, people have been receiving an electronic greeting card containing malicious software, or malware. The cards attempt to entice the target recipient by claiming to be from a family member or friend. Generally, the spam directs the recipient to click the link provided in the e-mail to view the e-card. Clicking on the link releases a malicious web page into the recipient's computer.

The third scam involves e-mails purporting to be from the FBI and/or the agency's director, Robert S. Mueller III. They are made to appear legitimate through the use of pictures of the FBI direct, seal, letter head and banners.