Beware of Hackers After Disasters

Following tragic events, beware of malicious cyber activity targeting both victims and potential donors. Exercise caution when handling emails that relate to the event, even if those emails appear to originate from trusted sources. Event-related phishing emails may try to trick you into sharing sensitive information. Such emails could also contain links or attachments directing you to malware-infected websites. In addition, be wary of social media pleas, calls, texts, fraudulent donation websites, and door-to-door solicitations relating to the recent tragic event.

Be Cyber Savvy. Stay Cyber Safe.

To avoid becoming victims of fraudulent activity, consider taking the following preventive measures:

• Review information from the Federal Trade Commission on Charity Giving, which includes links to check if charity organizations are legitimate.
• Use caution when opening email attachments, and do not click on links in unsolicited email messages. Refer to the US-CERT Tip on Using Caution with Email Attachments.
• Refer to US-CERT's Tip on Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks. 

If You Find Yourself a Target of a Phishing Attack:

• Delete the email so that you don’t accidently click on it in the future.
• Do not respond to the email.
• Do not click on any links within the email.