SAN ANTONIO – The latest email scam that attempts to steal your personal information preys on parents' fears.
The subject line of the email reads, "Alert: There is a child-predator living in your area. Alert# 7096862402." The email claims to be a community notification that a registered offender has moved into the zip code.
The sensitive nature grabs parents' attention. "I'd be scared to let my kids go out," said Denise Cruz, adding that she would open the email.
"You think it's for public safety," said Samantha Mendoza.
"I would open it," said father Fred Mendoza. "I would want to find out what it says on the topic."
Included in the email's message is a link to click that is supposed to provide more information about the predator.
The link leads to a legitimate website that sells information about offenders, adding credibility to the email. However, the first click on the link can infect the computer with malware that will search for stored information including user names, passwords and credit card information.
Consumer advocates are warning that the email is circulating and not to click on links in any unsolicited email.
For concerned parents who want information about sex offenders, the Texas Department of Public Safety has an online searchable database.