Brooklyn Queens Land Trust

FBI alerts regarding Spam Email Hoaxes

Nov 20, 2005

KATRINA DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD ALERTS

Email Disguised As American Red Cross Message Phishing For Credit Card Information

The FBI has become aware of a spam email soliciting $5 donations that purports to be coming from support2@redcross.org, with the subject line of ?“American Redcross Help Needed! Katrina relief.?” The email provides a link to click and enter credit/debit card information for the $5 contribution. The link appears to go to the RedCross.org website. However, the link actually sends one to a non-affiliated collection site of http://pro-solutions2.com/cgi-bin/register.pl. THIS EMAIL IS A HOAX. DO NOT FOLLOW THE PROVIDED LINK. Be cautious when responding to requests or special offers delivered through unsolicited email:

Guard your account information carefully.
Keep a list of all you credit cards and account information along with the card issuer?’s contact information. If your monthly statement looks suspicious or you lose your card(s) contact the issuer immediately.
To ensure contributions to U.S. based non-profit organizations are received and used for intended purposes, go directly to recognized charities and aid organizations?’ websites, as opposed to following links provided in emails.
If you have received this, or a similar hoax, please file a complaint at www.ic3.gov.

Nigerian 419 Scheme

The FBI has become aware of spam emails crafted in the style of a Nigerian 419 schemes, exploiting the loss of lives attributable to Hurricane Katrina disaster. The email continues with instructions on how the recipient can claim money left behind, in an overseas bank account, by the next of kin. In some instances, in exchange for helping to move the funds, a portion of the inheritance is purported to be donated to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. One version of the scam actually states family members have died in both the Thailand Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. THESE EMAILS ARE A HOAX. DO NOT RESPOND. Other disasters Nigerian 419 schemes have attempted to capitalize on include: London Bombings; September 11, 2001; and various airplane crashes. When opening emails from unknown authors, please consider the following:

Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as Nigerian or foreign government officials asking for your help in placing large sums of money.
Do not believe the promise of large sums of money for your cooperation.
Guard your account information carefully.
To ensure contributions to U.S. based non-profit organizations are received and used for intended purposes, go directly to recognized charities and aid organizations?’ websites, as opposed to relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
If you have received this, or a similar hoax, please file a complaint at www.ic3.gov.

Charitable Phishing, Spoofing Alert

The FBI is seeing an influx of websites soliciting for charitable donations to aid the victims of the latest natural disaster, Hurricane Katrina. Consistent with previous guidance on incidents of phishing/spoofing and identity theft, when considering online options for providing funding to this relief effort, consumers should consider the following:

Do not respond to any unsolicited (SPAM) incoming emails.
To ensure contributions to U.S. based non-profit organizations are used for intended purposes, go directly to recognized charities and aid organization's websites, as opposed to following a link to another site.
Attempt to verify the legitimacy of non-profit organizations by utilizing various Internet-based resources which may assist in confirming the existence of the organization, as well as its non-profit status.
Be leery of emails claiming to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
Several variations of this scam are currently in circulation. Be aware, scammers will attempt to capitalize on the popularity of the relief efforts along the Gulf coast. If you have received this, or a similar hoax, please file a complaint at www.ic3.gov.