The alert was issued in response to the growing number of Web sites that have sprung up selling supposed information to help people get their share of the stimulus pie.
Some, like FedMarket.com charge $495.00 for a one-year membership.
Others, like GrantOneDay.com ask for personal information and a credit card for the $1.99 fee, then an automatic charge of $94.89 per month after a seven day trail.
The U.S. Small Business Administration issued one in response to fake letters printed on SBA letterhead seeking bank information from those who may be eligible for tax rebates.
The growing list includes:
· Mail outs of fake checks that require a small wire transfer prior to deposit.
· E-mails promising a free stimulus check from President Barack Obama in return for the purchase of something like a magazine subscription or the activation of a new credit card.
· Bogus Web sites that use offers of stimulus money to release spyware onto personal computers.
Suspect mailings related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act should be reported to Attorney General Greg Abbott (TX) 1-800-252-8011.
This article was taken from the Houston Business Journal week of 6/12-6/18.