The USDA said it is warning vendors who wish to participate in USDA food purchase programs of a possible phishing scheme.
The fake emails look like they are solicitations for bids sent by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, which manages USDA’s food purchase programs, according to a news release.
According to the release, one version of the phony email has the subject line “IFB 1336358510” and the body of the email refers to a “bid for the supply of products and services for the Department of Agriculture Projects. While you consider a response, please take note that bids will be submitted electronically after you login our procurement system. Bids are due in our office no later than 3/10/2022 @ 3pm.” The email goes on to say “Documents and Invitation can be accessed via the following link…”
“If you receive an email like the one described above, DO NOT RESPOND OR CLICK ANY OF THE LINKS and IMMEDIATELY DELETE the original email,” the USDA said in the release.
Official solicitations for USDA bidding opportunities are distributed through GovDelivery and are available on the AMS Commodity Procurement Program Solicitations and Awards webpage. For more information about this issue, contact the Commodity Procurement Program at (202) 720-4517.
