Has it been at least a week before you’ve been importuned with the appeal to participate in a Nigerian lottery scam? Your winning streak is about to come to a close. Last week’s devastating earthquake in Haiti has, in less than seven days, brought out some of the best in people all around the world as they came together to give generously. Of course, it has also brought the scum of the world out of the woodwork as they came together to concoct fake charity scams and multiple other ways to fleece people out of their hard-earned money in the name of Haiti. Consumers have to be especially careful with their credit card and banking information, as these priceless treasures are what crooks are seeking with their shady tactics.
It never fails in times of crisis that the lowest of the low will prey on peoples’ need to be helpful and give to those who are suffering. I was reading today on Time’s website that the FBI is apparently warning consumers about a recent major uptick in the amount of fake charity schemes that are being reported. The Bureau is advising people to donate only to known charities to ensure that their monetary givings are received by those for whom they were intended. Even if you have already chosen a known charity, make sure that you are really giving to them, and not an opportunistic phishing scam masquerading as the American Red Cross or UNICEF.
The FBI is also advising consumers to avoid telemarketers begging for credit card donations over the phone.
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