Full Disclosure mailing list archives

Bogus FBI Email


From: "Casey Townsend" <CTownse1 () ci tucson az us>
Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 09:25:57 -0700

Does anyone know what this virus payload does yet?


A Windows executable file, attached to an email that purports to come from the FBI, is the latest social engineering 
trick being used in an attempt to spread malware.

From the FBI web site <fbi.gov>
******
Attention--FBI e-mail hoax alert! Have you recently received an e-mail, purportedly from the FBI, with the subject 
"Your IP was logged," warning you about illegal downloading of movies and software and saying you are under FBI 
investigation? If you have, please be advised that the e-mail is a fake--the Bureau, even though it does investigative 
violations of Intellectual Property laws, does not investigate or notify persons under investigation as outlined in the 
e-mail. It may also contain a virus. If you've received the e-mail, please contact the FBI at www.ifccfbi.gov.
******

"This is the sneakiest piece of social engineering by a virus writer that we can recall."

Virus writers are attempting to trick music fans into opening malicious code with a message purporting to arise from an 
FBI investigation into illegal file trading.

Recipients of the bogus warning are told they are under investigation. Infectious emails contain an attachment 
allegedly containing evidence against the 'accused' which actually contains Windows malware, the Melbourne Age reports

The message appear authentic but closer inspection reveals factual errors and spelling mistakes that give the game 
away. That said, it's easy to see how the message could fool people. 

http://theregister.co.uk/content/56/34755.html 
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/01/06/1073268005348.html 




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