Phony UPS e-mail carries malware

E-mails claiming to be from UPS could download dangerous malware onto your computer. The mail warns you that a shipment you're awaiting from UPS has been delayed, and it contains an attachment that you’re asked to open.

The e-mail is not from UPS, which says it rarely includes attachments in its communications to customers. Open the attachment and you end up with dangerous malware, according to security software publishers McAfee and Symantec. The malware connects your computer to a Russian domain, downloads a rootkit, and allows the attacker to take control of your computer. 

If you receive this scam e-mail, don’t open the attachment, and let UPS know at customerservice@ups.com.

—Donna Tapellini