The FBI has become aware of a spam e-mail claiming to be from FBI Director Robert Mueller III. This scam appears to be a typical Nigerian scam; however, the attempt to defraud victims comes in two separate e-mails. The same e-mail address is used to deliver both phases of the spam.

The first e-mail is purported to be from FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III. It advises the recipient that he is the beneficiary of a large sum of money. It further states that, in order for the recipient to claim the money, he is required to provide an FBI Identification Record and a Certificate of Ownership. To make the message look more legitimate, information is pasted in the e-mail from the FBI.gov web site defining what an Identification Record is and how to obtain it from the Criminal Justice Information Services Division.

The second e-mail purports to be from Donna M. Uzzell, FBI Compact Council Chairman. The message informs the recipient the Certificate of Ownership is supplied, for a fee, by the country where the funds originated. It requires the recipient to respond to the e-mail for instructions on sending the money to FBI Nigeria, who then will issue the certificate.

At this point the message becomes more threatening, stating the FBI has investigative programs which can track down those who fail to provide the requested documentation. It further states failure to comply will result in charges being brought against the individual by the FBI.

This e-mail is a hoax. Do not respond.

Be cautious when responding to requests or special offers delivered through unsolicited email:

• Guard your personal information as well as your account information carefully.
• You should never give any personal, credit, or banking information in response to unsolicited e-mails.

If you have received this, or a similar hoax, please file a complaint at www.IC3.gov.