Many people around the world want to help Ukraine, and scammers have sprung up to take advantage of them.
Cybersecurity firms say they have seen a rise in phone calls, emails, text messages, even ads soliciting donations to aid the humanitarian crisis.
According to Check Point Software, one such email solicitation currently circulating has the subject line: “Let’s Support Ukraine.”
“For people seeking to donate to Ukraine, we’re issuing strong caution of fraudulent emails seeking to capitalize off your willingness to give,” Ekram Ahmed, spokesperson for Check Point Software, said in a statement.
WHAT’S COMING FROM APPLE:iPhone SE 2022, new iPad Air, Mac Studio display and more unveiled
HOLY BITCOIN AND BLOCKCHAIN! Biden administration looks to regulate with new executive order. What does it mean?
Doug Jacobson, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Iowa State University, advises consumers to donate only to legitimate organizations and to toss all other solicitations.
But what’s the best way to determine whether that donation is going to the right place?
Ukraine donation tips
Do your homework. Before giving away money, food or clothing, research the organizations you want to send donations. The Federal Trade Commission advises searching the organization along with terms like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” There are also several charity watchdog groups such as Charity Watch and Give.org, run by the Better Business Bureau, that provide ratings.
Learn about where your donation is going. Double-check for any information on the charity’s website about where the money you send will go. Is it for medical supplies or food? Make sure you know before you give.
What about crowdfunding? The BBB said if you choose to donate to a crowdfunded cause, it’s best to stick with someone you know and trust. Also, check the crowdfunding platform’s policies on details such as fees and how funds are distributed.
Online safety tips
If you come across solicitations online asking for donations, cybersecurity experts suggest keeping track of these details:
Look for bogus domains in emails. Examine the email address and make sure it’s not a lookalike or fake domain.
Don’t download suspicious attachments. Don’t get tricked into downloading malware. Beware of files that can run executable code, like files that end with “.exe,” for instance.
Spot grammatical errors, misspellings. Phishing emails are often written by people who are not fluent in English.
Think before you click. Beware of email solicitations urging you to take immediate action or if the email claims to be from someone in a position of authority. “Research has shown that if you use a mindfulness approach to email, such as pause and reflect even for the briefest of moments, you will make a better decision,” said Ryan Wright, a professor specializing in cybersecurity at the University of Virginia.
Don’t give up your personal information. Scammers are looking to steal money, account credentials and other sensitive information.
Leave a Reply