I am posting this alert - based on a warning from the USA Jobs Website. For further thoughts, you can contact info@federalresumepros.com.

Recently, malicious software, known as Infostealer.Monstres, was used to gain unauthorized access to the Monster.com resume database to steal the contact information of job seekers. Monster Worldwide is the technology provider for the USAJOBS website and regrettably, some of the contact information captured came from USAJOBS job seekers.

The information captured included name, address, telephone number, and email address. Monster Worldwide has assured the U.S. Office of Personnel Management that Social Security Numbers were NOT compromised because of IT security shields USAJOBS has in place.

Access to the data was obtained through the use of a private sector Monster customer’s computer using legitimate employer credentials. OPM is working closely with Monster to quickly protect the USAJOBS data. Monster Worldwide already has identified and shut down a rogue server that was accessing and collecting the job seeker contact information. Further safeguards are being put into place.

We ask you to remain alert for counterfeit "phishing" emails that may appear to come from Monster.com asking you to click on a link. USAJOBS will NEVER request personal information via unsolicited email (i.e. not a response to an email sent by you). Monster has also assured us THEY will NEVER ask any site users to download any software, "tool" or "access agreement."

Please also be on the alert for fraudulent email that advertises positions managing financial transactions, or cashing checks. These emails are attempting to engage job seekers in a money laundering or bad check scam.

If you receive a suspicious email regarding your USAJOBS search, email it, with the full "header" information intact, to us at: mayday@fedjobs.gov. Instructions on obtaining header information can be found at: http://www.spamcop.com/help_with_headers/.

"Phishing" and Internet fraud is an issue that, from time to time, can affect any Internet user or business. We remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the information provided by job seekers. If you have any questions, please contact mayday@fedjobs.gov.

Avoiding Email Fraud

Spam email is such a common occurrence, you may think you know what to look for. But there are two types of email scams that can be more difficult to identify, and that can be especially harmful if you fail to notice the warning signs — phishing and spoofing. Both practices concern fraudulent email where the 'from address' has been forged to make it appear as if it came from somewhere, or someone, other than the actual source.

Phishing emails are used to fraudulently obtain personal identification and account information. They can also be used to lure the recipient into downloading malicious spyware or malware programs. The message will often suggest there are issues with the recipient's account that requires immediate attention. A link will also be provided to a spoof website where the recipient will be asked to provide personal/account information or download malicious software.

Spoof emails often include a fraudulent offer of employment and/or the invitation to serve as a go-between for payment processing or money transfers. In most cases, the sender uses a program to auto-generate an email list using random email addresses. Like with phishing emails, the sender's address is often disguised.

Reporting Fraud

The USAJOBS Team wants to remind you that we NEVER request personal information via unsolicited mail (i.e. not a response to an email sent by you). If you ever receive an email message that appears to be from USAJOBS, but you suspect that it is not legitimate, we request that you take the following actions:

• DO NOT respond to the e-mail
• DO NOT click on any links within the email
• Forward the e-mail in its entirety to: mayday@fedjobs.gov
• Delete the e-mail upon forwarding to USAJOBS

For more information on reporting fraud read our Federal Job Scam Information Sheet