Security firm warns against fake donation sites for Japan

A global security firm has warned the public of websites that pose as donation channels for disaster-stricken Japan, but turn out to be online scams. In a statatement released on Wednesday, Trend Micro called the public’s attention to fraudulent websites that ask for donations to Japan using the names of international organizations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund and the Red Cross. The company said such websites ask prospective donors to deposit money to specified bank accounts, provide their credit card information, or send money through online payment schemes like PayPal. “The money does not reach these charities and instead [ends] up in the [pockets] of scammers," Trend Micro said. The company added that these websites expose the public to identity theft by requesting them to provide personal information. Viruses in disguise Trend Micro also raised the alarm on fake Google, Facebook, and Youtube links that volunteer Japan-related footage and information. Internet users who click on these links expose their Facebook accounts to scammers who could spam their social network, the company said. The security company has given the public the following guidelines:

• Seek information directly from well-known charities
• Beware of appeals for donations sent through e-mail or text messaging
• Avoid ‘donation’ websites that ask for personal information
• Do not pass on unconfirmed text or Twitter messages, and check with official news websites instead

Humanitarian groups have made authorized appeals for donations in the wake of the magnitude-9.0 earthquake and 10-meter tsunami that devastated Japan on Friday. The Philippine Red Cross, for instance, told Filipinos on Sunday that they may send their donations for Japan via text messaging. — TJD, GMA News