The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers that there is scam to acquire your personal information.

Web sites are set up that may advertise how you can get money from the stimulus fund by clicking on links provided. These links will download malicious spyware or software to capture your personal information or entice consumers to pay a small fee so that they can obtain your credit card information and make you a victim of identity theft. Or unsolicited offers via e-mail may be sent to you asking for your financial information. (red flag). The scammers then use the information to drain your bank account.

Eileen Harrington, acting director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection said, " Many use deceptive names or images of President Obama and Vice President Biden to suggest they are legitimate. They're not."

To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC's online Complaint Assistant at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/  or call (877) 382-4357

Coutesy of Leelanau and Benzie Real Estate.com