Hackers and phishers don't rest until they devise a new scheme, by which they can force honest web users into giving them their personal information. A number of phishing schemes have recently been reported that appear to use a scenario based on recent worldwide events. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has recently warned the general public about a new scheme by which scammers intended to take the users' IRS fund check.

According to the FBI, users would receive an email, presumably from the IRS, advising them to get their economic stimulus rebate money by direct deposit. The email usually states that, in so doing, they will be able to receive their refund as soon as possible. By clicking the provided link, users are directed to a website where they are asked for their bank account information and other personal data. The text in the mail also states that the information has to be filled before a certain date, after which their request will be processed with delay.

According to Special Agent Richard J. Kolko of the FBI national press office, this phishing scam isn't the only one that is currently available on the web. He also added that people should be careful and take extra precautions as to where they give their personal information.

Another phishing scam that is currently undergoing has based its scenario on the Call for support of the Myanmar victims. Microsoft has warned about a phishing scam that redirects users to a false donations web page, allegedly set up for the victims of Cyclone Nargis. The scam pretty much follows the same patterns as the IRS one, with users receiving an email informing them about how they can help the disaster victims.

Users receiving similar mails should first question their authenticity and then post their personal data, if asked for. All the major security companies have issued warnings about the means by which phishing scammers are trying to get the users' personal data.