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Sam Masiello

Sam Masiello
Director of Messaging Security Research
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McAfee Labs :

Scams Take Advantage of Haiti Relief Efforts

Friday, January 22, 2010 at 10:31am by Sam Masiello
Sam Masiello

Never is the heartless nature of cybercriminals more apparent than in the wake of a tragedy. As relief efforts continue and worldwide aid pours in to help those affected by the earthquake that rocked Haiti on January 12, cybercriminals have not slowed their efforts. They are eager to get you to donate money that the people of Haiti will never see. Spoofing legitimate relief organizations such as the Red Cross is a typical social engineering lure used by the bad guys to take your money. This morning, however, a particular scam caught my eye that I wanted to share with you. Its subject line was “Help for Haiti” and was sent by “bdotobamaatwhitehousedotgov.” Mr. “b.obama” writes:

President Barack Obama

On Tuesday, a catastrophic earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the death toll — already in the thousands — is climbing fast.

This is the worst earthquake to hit the area in more than 200 years. Entire communities have been ripped apart and as many as 3 million people have been directly affected, including tens of thousands of American citizens who are in Haiti.

Our neighbors in Haiti are racing to confront the enormous devastation — and the OFA community can help.

Read down for more information about essential relief efforts and ways you can help today.

Footage is pouring in of homes collapsing, Haitians carrying injured family members, and hospitals being overrun in what was already the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.

I have directed my administration to respond with a swift, coordinated, and aggressive effort to save lives. Personnel from the United States and our partners in the international community are on the ground in damaged areas right now, working side by side with the Haitian people. They’re providing much-needed food, water, and sanitation supplies, saving lives and helping local communities start to rebuild.

Despite the fact that we are experiencing tough times here at home, I encourage those who can to reach out and help. It’s in times like these that we must show the kind of compassion and humanity that has defined the best of our national character for generations.

Read here to find out what you can do:

Obama In The United Kingdom

Help Haiti

Western Union Details

Name: XXXXXXXX

Country: United Kingdom

Call us On +XXXXXXXXXX
Any Funds given to the good people of America Here in The UK will be shared amongs Red Cross and all relief agencies.No amount is too small.

As this story continues to unfold, I hope you will continue to keep the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers, as well as the many Haitian-Americans who have done so much to enrich our country and who are worried about friends and loved ones in this time of need.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

I’ve censored some of the contact information so that nobody visiting this blog will attempt to send money to the people responsible for this scam. I cannot emphasize enough that you must perform due diligence before donating to any charity. Ensure that the money you donate is going to the cause that you choose.

A couple of things to remember:

  • Don’t respond to emails requesting donations, credit card information, or other sensitive information that you do not feel comfortable giving
  • Don’t click links within email that direct to donation websites, as they may be directing you to a malicious website under the covers
  • Don’t open attachments with donation forms, as they may be executable malware
  • Work directly with charity organizations that you know and trust

Cybercriminals prey on the emotions of their victims. That’s why social engineering tactics such as these are successful. However, if you do your homework first, follow safe email and web-browsing habits, and work closely only with reputable charities to donate money, you can feel more comfortable that your sensitive information won’t end up in the wrong hands.

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Comments (2)

  • Sam Masiello January 23, 2010 11:39AM

    Thanks, Neil, for the compliment and the reporting address. Good point to add!

    Reply
  • Neil Schwartzman January 22, 2010 11:10AM

    Great post Sam. Just one thing to add – the address of the FBI office taking reports about this kind of low-down scam : disasteratleodotgov

    Reply