Be on the lookout: a new warning has been issued to consumers about economic stimulus scams via incoming e-mail and fraudulent websites.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is urging you to watch out for offers of help qualifying for a payment from the U.S. economic stimulus package, in exchange (of course) for personal information or a small payment. Worse yet, you may not even have to supply information to get scammed: by simply clicking a link in some scam e-mail offers, you inadvertently download malware and spyware which, in turn, may lead to identity theft.

It doesn’t come as much of a surprise that cyber scammers are taking advantage of a hot topic around the globe – economic confusion and fears –  to get past your defenses. Still, make sure to be aware of this type of ploy so you don’t fall for a trap! To learn more about navigating these scams, we have released information on 5 schemes you should be on the lookout for; check out the current issue of Lavasoft News for the list.