EEOC Alerts Employers to E-mail "Phishing" Scam

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently notified the business community and general public to a "phishing" e-mail circulating to companies that purports to be from the federal agency regarding a harassment complaint. The bogus e-mail contains a Trojan Horse Virus that is likely to harm a recipient's computer if the user clicks on the referenced web link and/or downloads the attached file.

The phony e-mail to employers -- being circulated under the subject "Harassment Complaint Update For"-- contains links where the respondent can allegedly access details of a fake discrimination claim. The EEOC has reported the issue to appropriate authorities.
 
The contents of the phishing e-mail include an EEOC logo under the subject line and contain purported language from the EEOC under a subject heading, "Employer Liability for Harassment."
 
Excerpts of the phishing e-mail are highlighted below:
 
FROM: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
SUBJECT: "Harassment Complaint Update For"

This is an automated email that confirms the registration of harassment complaint #number...this harassment complaint can lead to law enforcement action. You can download and print a copy of this complaint to keep for your personal records here...Our staff will keep you updated regarding the status of our investigation...To check the status of your complaint access:
 
If you receive a similar email, please do not open any of the attachments or access the links.  Delete the email immediately.  The EEOC's policy is to notify an employer of the filing of a charge of employment discrimination using the U.S. Postal System.  Because of security concerns, the EEOC does not notify employers of the filing of a charge of discrimination via e-mail.  
 
Excerpts from a publication written by attorneys of Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett, P.A.

View other news articles from November 2007