Disasters Produce Various E-mail Scams

Det. Dan Jonas with our Criminal Intelligence Unit has shared a reminder from the FBI that e-mail scammers tend to kick into high gear following natural disasters. Hurricanes and other tragic events, like the Virginia Tech shootings, the bridge collapse in Minnesota, and the mine disaster in Utah, are often followed with a flood of e-mail scams. These e-mails are sent with the criminal intent of soliciting for contributions for a charitable organization or some other good cause. Consumers should consider the following:

• Do not respond to unsolicited (SPAM) e-mail. Simply delete it.
• Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting via e-mail for donations.
• Do not click on links contained within unsolicited e-mail.
• Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
• To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to recognized organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
• Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly accessing the recognized charity or aid organization's website rather than following an alleged link to the site.
• Attempt to verify the legitimacy of the non-profit status of the organization by using various Internet-based resources, which also may assist in confirming the actual existence of the organization.
• Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions; providing such information may compromise your identity and open you to identity theft.

Our community has always been quick to respond with financial assistance and other support after disasters. Following these common sense tips can help ensure your assistance goes where it is intended and prevent you from becoming a scam victim or identity theft victim. For more information, visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

-Asst Chief Bill LePere