As when any global tragedy strikes, charities are pushing to collect money for Haiti relief efforts. And as usual, bogus charities created by online scammers are using folks’ generosity to steal their cash.
The FBI recently advised computer users to be aware of e-mails claiming to be from charities.
One such e-mail currently circulating looks like it’s from the Red Cross. Any money “donated” via the provided link ends up in the pockets of cyberthieves.
Some advice from the FBI you can pass on to employees:
- Donate directly to known charities via their Web sites
- Don’t respond to unsolicited e-mails or click on links
- Be skeptical of any e-mails claiming to be from victims, and
- Look out for e-mails offering pictures of the disaster site – the attachments may contain viruses.