Consumer protection advocates are warning Internet users that scam artists are trying to take advantage of Tuesday's terrorist attacks. Spam solicitations have been sent out urging Netizens to donate money to the Red Cross or other relief organizations. But the e-mails direct potential donors to private Web sites apparently designed to steal credit card numbers.
Web users who feel the urge to contribute financially to the relief efforts should be suspicious of any e-mail solicitation. Here are a few tips to follow:
* If you don't know the organization or person who sent the request, it's probably fraudulent.
* Virtually no bona-fide relief agencies request funds by sending email to people who are not already involved in that agency. Solicitations made in this way may also violate laws in the United States and Europe.
* If you click on a link to donate, examine the URL shown in your browser. If the domain name of the URL is hidden, unfamiliar, or doesn't match the link's text, the request is probably fraudulent.
* Verify the solicitor's identity through another medium (such as phone) before giving money. Spammers frequently forge the identity and style of well-known entities to gain credibility.
Those wishing to donate to the Red Cross can visit the agency's official Web site at visit their official Web site at http://www.redcross.org . Paypal.com and Amazon.com are also accepting Red Cross donations.
If you receive a suspicious e-mail, require additional information, or have any questions, please contact Ted Shelkey via Email.
