– The Department of Homeland Security Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Computer Emergency Readiness Team has issued a warning about potential e-mail scams and search engine poisoning campaigns that could be circulating regarding the Haitian earthquake disaster.

The scam e-mails might contain links or attachments which might direct users to phishing or malware-laden Web sites. Fraudulent search engine results might return similar malicious Web links to phishing and malware Web sites.

Do not follow unsolicited Web links or attachments in e-mail messages. Maintain up-to-date antivirus software. Review the Federal Trade Commission’s Charity Checklist at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/telemarketing/tel01.shtm.

Verify the legitimacy of the e-mail 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 at www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/

Source:  Coshocton Tribune

A new identity theft protection bill also went into effect. It places restrictions on government disclosure of social security numbers and makes it a crime to possess a “skimming” device, a small
electronic gadget used to steal personal information from credit
cards.