FTC Urges Internauts to be Wary of Scam Emails Exploiting ‘Typhoon Haiyan’

Examiner.com published a report in early November 2013 quoting the statement of Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumer protection agency of the nation, as "the disastrous news of the Philipines has many volunteers searching out for ways to help the sufferers of Typhoon Haiyan but at the same time cybercriminals are also spreading scam emails to fill their pockets by exploiting the unfortunate news".

Notably, as per record Typhoon Haiyan is the second-deadliest Philippine typhoon killing at least 2,427 people in early November 2013.

On 12th November, 2013, FTC in a "Scam Alert" requested the people who want to help in relief operation, to be alert. Social media, emails and telephones are used by contemptuous scammers to extract donations which cannot provide relief to victims of natural disaster in reality.

Examiner.com published a report on 12th November, 2013 quoting Michelle L. Corey, President and CEO of BBB as saying "The two consequences of a severe natural catastrophe are: firstly, the generous devotion of time and money by the Americans to provide aid to the sufferers of the disaster and secondly,the existence of mismanaged and sometimes fraudulent charities".

The statement of Michelle L. Corey is well supported by a scam email which has been spotted by BBB, North Alabama, US.

Waff.com published news on 14th November, 2013 quoting the explanation on the scam email by Michele Mason, President/CEO of BBB, North Alabama, US as "the person in the fake email says that they are in Philipines and cannot take their luggage until they clear all the hotel charges. The person says they need money to get back to the US".

Mason said "usage of any kind of wiring service or load money onto a Green Dot MoneyPak and giving that money to a stranger as they asks for your assistance in their emergency should not be supported".

Mason said that if you ever receive an email from known persons claiming they are in emergency situation, you should directly come in contact with the person to check its genuineness.

If you doubt any fake activity in relation to the relief effort in the Philippines, you are requested to file a complain at the National Center for Disaster Fraud at its hotline number.

» SPAMfighter News - 11/22/2013