IndiGlobal Media Network
Fake phishing emails asking for donations to help the People of Ukraine are on the rise and there are people who are being asked to donate via dollars or crypto currency.
These scamsters are using pictures of bombed buildings, injured women, children and emotional moments to tempt people to opt for donation.
The least that they can do to help is to donate for those who are facing troubled times. While these visuals are moving what is not clear is who are the organizations and whether the money will really go for the purpose as stated.
Cyber Security experts in India state that these phishing emails are targeted to extract money from the people. The words like ‘help’, ‘countless lives torn apart’, ‘causalities’, ‘injuries’, ‘orphaned children’ and ‘devastated’ to hit home the fact that people out there are troubled and need aid.
These fake letters are sent to emails and they are mostly targeted towards those who would easily reach out and pay.
A Slovakia-based anti-virus company ESET has stated that there are handful of sites which are using colours of Ukraine flag and dramatic images of soldiers to solicit aid. But there are no specific details on how this money will be used.
Others are misusing logos of United Nations and Charitable Institutions to extract money from the people. Cyber Security experts state that scamsters are using emotional triggers and those who are feeling guilty about the War and not able to help are the easy targets.
With crypto currency being used by people the demand for donations is more through this medium. It is very important to know the valid organization behind the crypto wallet as it can otherwise be a security risk.
Experts state that verified, legitimate organisations are also asking for crypto currency but there is a number to confirm with a caller and that human touch helps.
To verify a charitable organisation, it is important when the URL is typed it directly into the browser it gests to a trusted source. If not, then it is fake.
Beware of these emails as they use people’s emotions for their benefit.