The Federal Trade Commission, which has declared war on Internet scams, warned consumers on Monday not to open <A HREF="http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6215894.html?tag=nl.e550">a bogus email that appears to come from its fraud department</A> because it carries an attachment that can download a virus.

The email says it is from "frauddep@ftc.gov" and has the FTC's government seal. But it was not issued by the agency and has attachments and links that will download a virus that could steal passwords and account numbers, the agency said.