The FBI issued on Thursday a warning about e-mails offering bogus online fundraising to help victims of the devastating quake in Haiti, which left thousands of people dead.
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on Tuesday. The quake's epicenter was 10 miles southwest of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, at a depth of just 6 miles. It was followed by dozens of aftershocks, including two measuring 5.9 and 5.0. Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive said the death toll from the quake could reach "well over 100,000."
In a press release, the FBI warns internet users that "past tragedies and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a good cause."
"The FBI today reminds Internet users who receive appeals to donate money in the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before responding to those requests," the statement reads.
The bureau recommends being skeptical about individuals who say they were victims of the quake and requesting financial assistance in incoming spam e-mails and social networks. It also urges to make contributions only to well-known charity organizations and to avoid disclosing personal or financial information.
WASHINGTON, January 14 (RIA Novosti)
