Con artists are now contacting potential victims via email saying they are from the United States Attorney's office. You need to reply within 48 hours. The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) says it’s a variation of the payday loan scam.

The emails reference the FBI, court proceedings, and serious allegations. The IC3 says allegations include violations of federal banking regulations such as collateral check fraud, theft by deception and fraudulently conducting electronic fund transfers. Of course, they will want money if you should respond to their email.

What’s scary is many times they have your social security number, date of birth, address, employer information, bank account numbers, names and telephone numbers of relatives and friends.

Don’t be intimidated by their high-pressure tactics and their knowledge of your personal information. Here’s what the IC3 says to do if you are contacted by someone who is trying to collect money that you do not owe.

• Contact your local law enforcement agencies
• Contact your bank(s), credit card companies and investment companies
• Contact the three major credit bureaus and have an alert put on your file. Equifax, (800) 525-6285, Experian (888) 397-3742, TransUnion (800) 680-7289. You only need to contact one of them.
• File a complaint at www.ic3.gov

I would also talk with your employer and relatives and friends about what is happening, especially if they mention your employer and/or names of your relatives and friends. Also, give your BBB the heads up about the situation.

Don’t dismiss it even if you don’t hear from the fraudsters again. If they have your personal information keep an even more watchful eye on any personal transactions, including any medical bills for months to come. You can’t be too careful.