FYI...

- http://www.informationweek.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml?articleID=60402476
Feb. 22, 2005
"The bogus E-mails, some of which target families of war dead, resemble the so-called "Nigerian letter," which typically offers an opportunity to receive nonexistent funds in exchange for a fee or financial data...

Federal authorities are investigating two e-mail scams, including one targeting families of soldiers killed in Iraq, that claim to be connected to the Homeland Security Department. The scams "are among the worst we have ever encountered," Michael J. Garcia, director of the department's Immigration and Customs Enforcement bureau, said Friday. Both of the online pleas for help--and money--link themselves to the bureau.

In one scheme, e-mail sent to families of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq include a link to the bureau's Web site. The e-mail seeks to recover money from a friend of the slain soldier. In the other, the e-mail identifies itself as being sent by a federal agent trying to track down funds looted from the Iraqi Central Bank by Saddam Hussein's son. The e-mail also links to the bureau Web site and asks for confirmation of the recipient's address by urging, "There is a very important and confidential matter which I want us both to discuss." Garcia called both e-mail campaigns "bogus" and urged people to ignore and delete them..."