Beware of fraudulent hurricane-relief Web sites
By Alex Morones
Technical Writer/Editor, Office of Information Technology
(Sept. 9, 2005)--The Multi-state Information Sharing Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) has issued a warning to consumers about fraudulent Web sites that purport to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.
According to MS-ISAC, "phishing" Web sites have been created in order to steal credit card and personal information from unsuspecting consumers.
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RSS FeedsIn one form of a phishing attack, unsolicited spam e-mail messages are sent to individuals. The body of the message will contain a link to a legitimate-sounding Web site where the victim is asked to provide financial and personal information such as a Social Security number.
Spam messages also may contain viruses or other malicious software that can damage your computer or the UTSA network.
MS-ISAC urges consumers to:
- Check with a reputable source, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for legitimate fund-raising organizations
- Avoid visiting Web sites listed in unsolicited e-mail messages
- Contact a reputable charitable organization directly by phone or by typing in their Web site address rather than using a link
For more information, contact: Lance Pritchard, UTSA information security, at (210) 458-7218.
Resources:
MS-ISAC: http://www.cscic.state.ny.us/msisac/index.html
The SANS Institute: http://www.sans.org
FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/katrinadonations.shtm
Better Business Bureau: http://www.give.org/news/disaster_pr.asp