The FBI released this warning: Online greeting cards, often called e-cards or postcards, are being sent via spam, and that if you click one thinking its seasons' greetings, it could infect your computer with a virus, or even worse.

The FBI reveals the greeting will claim it's from a "family member" or "friend," and that once you click on it to view the so-called greeting, you'll instead be taken to a malicious Web page that could infect your computer with a virus or a keystroke logger that put your ID and your financial accounts at risk for theft.

According to the FBI and industry watch dogs, many well-known online greeting card businesses are being harmed by this scam, because the greeting appears to be from a legitimate company, but it's not.

The FBI says if the greeting does not address you by name and if the card sender's name is not included in the e-mail, or if you don't recognize it -- just delete it.

The FBI is also warning consumers about spoofing scams that target online shoppers.

The criminals create counterfeit Web sites that look real, complete with logos and working Web links. But when you enter your credit card number, that information goes not towards a purchase, but to the criminals, who can then drain your account.

So how do you know if a retail Web site is fake? The FBI tells KIRO 7 Consumer Investigator Amy Clancy to be suspicious if you are linked to a site while surfing for gifts and don't simply click on attachments.

When in doubt, enter the URL yourself for a site you trust. Also, pay close attention to your credit card statements. If the numbers don't match up with what you've bought, someone may have your number.

Report it right away to your credit card company.