The message below is a press release from the Oakland County Sheriff’s office.
As the victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama cope with the aftermath of last week’s devastation, millions of Americans are opening their hearts and wallets.
Sheriff Bouchard warns local citizens to be cautious with their charity.
‘Millions of Americans have shown us what is best about our nation in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina ? volunteering their time and resources to aid the victims,? said Sheriff Bouchard. ‘Sadly, a large number of phony charities are attempting to profit at the expense of these victims.?
Sheriff Bouchard offers the following tips for those who wish to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina:
? Do not open e-mail requests for donations from unfamiliar sources. Many are from identity thieves and the messages may contain viruses that will attack your computer or take you to a ‘spoofed? web site that will steal your personal financial information. The best rule of thumb is for you to contact the charity directly, preferably by telephone.
? If you are uncertain whether a charity is legitimate, contact the Attorney General’s Office at 517-373-1152 or the local office of the Better Business Bureau.
? Donate to charities that have a proven track record such as the American Red Cross, United Way of America and the Salvation Army. All three offer either immediate relief or help in rebuilding communities.
? ‘The FBI has already noted a large number of cyber swindles in relation to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. The variety of methods used by these crooks to steal your information has also grown more sophisticated,? Sheriff Bouchard warns. ‘However, as we have seen in the past, those who are not on the Internet are also at risk. Phone solicitors frequently are not a part of the organization they claim to represent. These telemarketers may not have the authorization to call on behalf of recognized charities and, in fact, may only be trying to obtain your personal financial information. Don’t give it to them!?
? If you have received a fraudulent e-mail, you should file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.IC3.gov) or your local police. The Sheriff’s Computer Crimes Unit stands ready to move on these cases, as well.