Within a week of the disaster, Van Luvender began investigating sites and e-mails that claimed to offer information about or contributions to hurricane victims. One such e-mail, entitled offers a story synopsis and a hyperlink to follow for "more information." Once readers click on the hyperlink, their computers are directed to a malicious Web site where hackers can install a variety of computer viruses and spyware, including Trojan horse software that allows hackers to assume control of the user's computer to steal information.
In addition to e-mails purporting to offer aid to hurricane victims, Van Luvender has discovered more than a dozen URLs that are anonymously registered to a NJ-based server, and ask for PayPal donations to help Katrina survivors. One site even contains what looks to be a charter document signed by the La. Secretary of State, but in reality is little more than a clever ruse perpetrated by a creative criminal.
Van Luvender continues to investigate fraudulent e-mails and We sites related to the Hurricane Katrina disaster, and offers a word of advice to charitable Americans: "There are plenty of legitimate places that need contributions in order to help Katrina survivors, but citizens should exercise extreme caution when donating through online sites. Unfortunately, disasters bring out both the best and the very worst in people, and the Internet affords criminals the perfect medium through which to prey upon the generosity of their neighbors."
