FBI Warns Public of Possible Oil Spill Scammers

The FBI is warning the public about possible scammers using the Gulf of Mexico oil spill as a ruse to steal money or identities, or to distribute computer viruses.

Thieves might pose as members of animal rescue organizations or environmental groups looking for donations, or as government officials collecting a fee before providing a service.

The FBI urges caution before giving donations to solicitors:

• Don't respond to spam, including clicking links contained within those messages because they may contain computer viruses.

• Beware of organizations with copycat names similar to those of reputable charities.

• Use Internet-based resources to verify the existence of a group and its nonprofit status, instead of following a link to a website.

• Open e-mail attachments only from known senders.

• Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.

• Don't be pressured into making contributions; reputable charities do not use such tactics.

• Be careful when providing personal and financial information, which may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.

• Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by debit or credit card, or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.

• Legitimate charities normally don't solicit donations via money transfer services.

Tips about possible scams should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov.