Scammers target the generous

June 12, 2008 by Sam Narisi

Posted in: In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, Security and law

Thinking about sending a donation to the earthquake victims in China? Here’s one way you don’t want to do it:

The FBI has just released a warning about a new e-mail scam going around. Apparently, folks are asking for donations to help victims of the recent earthquake in China — and using the info they get to carry out identity thefts.

To stay safe from this and other scams, the FBI recommends:

Never respond to unsolicited e-mail.
Be skeptical of any organization that communicates via unsolicited e-mail.
Make donations directly to recognized organizations.
Don’t provide personal or financial information to anyone asking for donations — they probably don’t need it.

Tags: China, e-mail scams, earthquake, FBI, ID theft

See what readers are saying...

Greg Nall: I strongly disagree with this article. I would venture to say that all municipalities have multiple free employment res...

Jim R: Shelley B got it right when she said it "only serves the sender and leaves the recipient feeling isolated and distrustfu...

Rick: I think it's a crying shame to give American jobs to third world companies. What are we doing to the USA and to the peop...

Justin: Interesting, 70% of sabatoge cases are 'normal people', maybe we should hire criminals......

Laura Lee: It doesn't surprise me but after the city of New London took residents' homes by eminent domain for Pfizer under the pre...

Nathan: If I got fired I would tell anyone anything. I wouldn't sabotage anything either....