Internet Scams

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Internet ScamBusters

The #1 Publication on Internet Fraud

 

By Audri and Jim Lanford

Copyright © 2001 Audri and Jim Lanford

 

Issue #46 September 12, 2001

 

 

Our hearts go out to those who were injured and those who lost family and

friends in yesterday's attacks. There are just no words strong enough to

express how we feel today.

 

Please, we ask each of you to take a few moments to reach out to the victims

and their families and help in whatever way you can. But...

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Make Sure Your Help Goes Where You Intended!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

In the wake of yesterday's events, publishing an issue of Internet

ScamBusters was the last thing on our minds. Given the info below, we hope

you'll see why we felt we had no other responsible option.

 

We've received reports of spammers sending out calls for assistance for

" emergency relief funds, " and directing the recipients to contribute money

to the Red Cross - through the spammers' web sites.

 

Many of these spammers are trying to steal money and credit card numbers.

 

Do NOT respond to these emails!

 

If you wish to contribute money to an organization, we recommend that you do

so directly through the organization's site, or to a local chapter. The

address for the Red Cross is

 

http://www.redcross.org

 

You can also donate by phone at 1-800-435-7669 (English speaking) or

1-800-257-7575 (Spanish speaking).

 

Amazon.com has set up a channel through which you can donate to the Red

Cross, which may be a better choice for online donations. The Red Cross

donations page has been swamped all day, and Amazon makes it very easy to

donate from $1 to $50. Just go to:

 

http://www.amazon.com/

 

Over $767,000 has been donated to the Red Cross so far by people at the

Amazon site.

 

We normally don't ask this -- and please make sure you do NOT spam this

issue: however, we'd like you to consider forwarding this issue of Internet

ScamBusters to people you know who are new to the Internet, as well as those

you think would benefit from this issue. These sorts of scams are usually

directed at

inexperienced surfers.

 

++++++++++++++++++++

Other Important Information

++++++++++++++++++++

 

If you wish to give blood, check with your local office to see if they have

space. At the moment, many Red Cross offices throughout the country are

swamped with donors. It might be better to wait a day or two.

 

Just don't lose your motivation.

 

Phone numbers for those who want to find out about friends and relatives who

they are concerned may have been hurt in yesterday's attacks can be found

at:

 

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/trade.center/contacts.html

 

The site lists contact information for those who believe they may have

information relating to the attack that may help law enforcement to find and

capture the perpetrators. It also lists other agencies that are helping the

survivors and relatives of the victims.

 

If you have any information that can help, visit http://www.ifccfbi.gov

 

The Justice Department's Office of Victims of Crime has set up a phone line

to provide information to families about victims and about services for

survivors and their rights: 1-800-331-0075

 

Friends and family who wish to check on passengers and flights can call:

 

American Airlines: 1-800-245-0999

United Airlines: 1-800-932-8555

 

We thank you for your help in dealing with this tragedy.

 

~~~

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