Tips: Donating Online Safely

Websense Inc. recently announced that its security research team has discovered suspicious online scams designed by criminals to steal money from those donating to the California fire effort. Websense also urged consumers to take steps to ensure that donations are reaching the intended recipients, and to notify officials of suspicious Web sites.

Websense offers tips to consumers donating online:

  • Ensure you are dealing with legitimate organizations.
  • Contact these organizations on your own -- go to their Web site rather than clicking on a link in an e-mail sent to you. Contact the Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/) at 1-800-HELP-NOW, or the Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/) at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
  • Remember that legitimate organizations will not aggressively approach people for money and donations.
  • Be mindful of groups reporting to be affiliated with legitimate organizations asking for donations or requesting you to visit their Web site. They may be fraudulent or hosting malicious code designed to steal information such as banking details.
  • Be wary of online auctions that claim to support the donation effort.

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