COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) - Terri Norris, Branch County Prosecutor, is warning residents of one of the latest scams to hit the area.  It is an e-mail/internet scam whereby the recipient is sent a letter alleging to be from the Department of Homeland Security printed on FBI letterhead.  It says that they must make contact within 24 hours including their full name, address and telephone number.  They will then be notified where to send $350 to pay for “the authentic and original copy of the Clearance Certificate with a seal on it for verification and approval.”.  The letter includes a threat of arrest or detainment if the recipient does not comply.

According to Norris, the FBI verified that they never contact an individual by e-mail.  If you are a victim of this scam, you should go to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov