Scam Of The Week – The Turkey-Syria Earthquake

Just when you think they cannot sink any lower, criminal internet scum is now exploiting the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Less than 24 hours after two massive earthquakes claimed the lives of thousands of people, cybercrooks are already piggybacking on the horrible humanitarian crisis. You need to alert your employees, friends and family… again.

Just one example are scammers that pose as representatives from a Ukrainian charity foundation that seeks money to help those affected by the natural disasters that struck in the early hours of Monday.

There are going to be a raft of scams varying from blood drives to pleas for charitable contributions for victims and their families. Unfortunately, this type of scam is the worst kind of phishbait, and it is a very good idea to inoculate people before they get suckered into falling for a scam like this. I suggest you send the following short alert to as many people as you can.

[ALERT] “Lowlife internet scum is trying to benefit from the Turkey-Syria earthquake. The first phishing campaigns have already been sent and more will be coming that try to trick you into clicking on a variety of links about blood drives, charitable donations, or “exclusive” videos. Don’t let them shock you into clicking on anything, or open possibly dangerous attachments you did not ask for!

Anything you receive about this recent earthquake, be very suspicious. With this topic, think three times before you click. It is very possible that it is a scam, even though it might look legit or was forwarded to you by a friend — be especially careful when it seems to come from someone you know through email, a text or social media postings because their account may be hacked. 

In case you want to donate to charity, go to your usual charity by typing their name in the address bar of your browser and do not click on a link in any email. Remember, these precautions are just as important at the house as in the office, and tell your friends and family.”

It is unfortunate that we continue to have to warn against the bad guys on the internet that use these tragedies for their own benefit.

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