It now seems that scammers are targeting your donations to Haiti victims. Responding to the heart wrenching images seen on television, internet and other media, the common man is trying to reach out through various charities. And this is exactly what the scammers want to put their grubby hands into.

The method used by these criminals is called ‘419 advance fee fraud scams’, similar to the Nigerian bank scam, where they send mails to individuals seeking help. While the Nigerian bank scam is widely understood, thanks to the media insight to it, the 419 style scams target hot new topics, like the Haiti earthquake. Sadly, well meaning individuals fall trap to this kind of scam, robbing not only themselves, but also Haiti victims who desperately need help.

Fraud websites have also sprung up (according to this BBC report) that falsely use the names of genuine charities. In some cases, they pose as charities themselves.

Be careful online

• Double check the websites of the charities you wish to donate.
• Go to charities you have heard of or worked with in the past.
• Never donate through an email link.

Sangeetha Naik is co-Founder and Director, Poornam (Bobcares). With 9 years of experience in the Web Hosting industry, she speaks in various conferences about how Web Hosts can cost effectively setup and run their Support Operations.