A couple days ago, I started getting dozens of e-mails every day from both the FBI and the CIA, saying that my computer had been caught visiting dozens of illegal sites. As a consequence, I was to download, fill out, and return an attached file, or I could expect to be arrested.
A lot of people were complaining about this as the latest virus/worm going around, but I preferred to look at it more positively. The idea that the FBI and CIA were cooperating to this extent could very well mean that former Clinton Administration official and 9/11 Commssioner Jamie Gorelick’s infamously stupid and virtually suicidal “wall of separation” between domestic and foreign intelligence agencies is no more.
Some people look at computer viruses and feel threatened. I choose to look at them and feel safer.
This is so blatantly a virus or worm. Sorry Jay, but the FBI and CIA are not interested in the porn sites you visit. 😉
Query: Are the transmitters of these emails committing the crime of impersonating law enforcement officials?
I thought you were a Mac driver???
Worms, Trojans and viruses that aren’t designed for your OS will not affect it, although you can get a good laugh at the messages exhorting you to try.
Gmac, Paul’s the Mac-head. I’m a PC guy. One of those freaks who built his own.
Regardless, the viri haven’t gotten through.
I hope.
J.
Is each email from both the FBI and the CIA?
…or do you get emails from the FBI and similar
ones from the CIA?
The former supports your point; the latter doesn’t.
It’s a worm, Jay Tea. I hope you have uptodate antiviral definitions….go use Trend Micro’s housecall online scan and also Kapersky’s online scan (both are free).
An old and acquired-used p.c. I had (and used all of about two, three months) would flash an “FBI” warning screen when I tried to surf tourist locations in places like Fiji and Australia and it was later discovered to be infected with a very offensive, virulent worm. I threw out the harddrive and donated the remainder to whoever wanted the parts, with a warning as to what was the reason for the recycling.
But, this emailing, feigning “FBI” and us.gov and justice and related, it’s a worm. The DOJ doesn’t send unsolicited emails to people. Nor popup with warning screens when someone randomly surfs the internet.
WAPO article, among many others available.