RALEIGH, N.C. -- Authorities are warning computer users about a new e-mail scam that uses the Department of Homeland Security to obtain personal information to steal a person's identity, television station WNCN reported.

Raleigh resident Marcia Elliot has received one of the e-mails. She considers herself a loyal citizen, which is why the e-mail caused so much fear and concern.

"It brought fear to me, thinking could there be some truth to it," Elliot said. "I was really alarmed that this had happened to me."

The e-mail said Elliot's bank accounts were suspended and the Department of Homeland Security suspected her of violating the Patriot Act. It also told her to click onto a link so that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation could verify her identity and bank account information. But the e-mail was fake.

This type of scam, which has sent people to legitimate-looking Web sites for retailers and banks, is known as phishing.

"It really makes me angry. I don't think it's right for people to prey on the fear a lot of people in the U.S. have," Elliot said.

"The scammers will go to every end to try to get your information," said Josh Stein, who is the director of the consumer protection division in the North Carolina Attorney General's Office.

"Agents here have received several complaints about the e-mail," he said. "The FBI and FDIC have launched a formal investigation. Their advice, protect your identity and don't take the bait."

Stein said if you receive an e-mail like this, do not reply and do not open any attachments that are sent with it.

"People need to take a step back. When they get this unsolicited email, they need to be skeptical," Stein said.

Elliot was skeptical and decided to keep her personal information to herself. She hopes whoever tried to steal it sees some jail time.

"I think those people should be punished and I hope something comes of this and they are punished for it," she said.

So far, authorities say no one has actually fallen prey to the scam, but e-mails have been received in several states, including North Carolina.

You can report e-mail scams at econsumer.gov, and international Web site working with the Federal Trade Commission.