Mississippi Flooding Disaster Email Scams

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Mississippi Flooding Disaster Email Scams, Fake Antivirus, and Phishing Attack Warning

Users should be aware of potential email scams, fake antivirus, and phishing attacks regarding the Mississippi flooding disaster. Email scams may contain links or attachments that may direct users to phishing or malicious websites. Fake antivirus attacks may come in the form of pop-ups that flash security warnings and ask the user for credit card information.

Phishing emails and websites requesting donations for bogus charitable organizations commonly appear after these types of natural disasters.

We encourage users to take the following measures to protect themselves:

• Do not follow or open unsolicited web links or attachments in email messages.
• Maintain up-to-date antivirus software.
• Use up to date spam software
• Review the Federal Trade Commission’s Charity Checklist.
• Verify the legitimacy of the email by contacting the organization directly through a trusted contact number.
• Trusted contact information can be found on the Better Business Bureau National Charity Report Index.