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**New Hacking Disaster Warning For Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail Users**
As natural disasters and terrorist attacks leave a trail of destruction, scammers are quick to capitalize on the chaos by soliciting donations and personal information from unsuspecting victims. In light of this, the FBI has issued an advisory warning the public about charitable fraud related to mass casualty events and disasters.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation urges individuals to “do your own research before you donate” to any charity or crowdfunding effort. This includes verifying a charity’s legitimacy by checking online reviews, regulatory registrations, and the Internal Revenue Service website. It also recommends validating crowdfunding efforts by researching who is behind the request, ensuring that it supports the beneficiaries advertised, and reverse-searching images and stories to detect potential fraud.
Unfortunately, this warning comes as Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail users are faced with a new hacking disaster threat. According to cybersecurity experts, hackers have been exploiting vulnerabilities in these email providers to steal sensitive information and demand ransom payments.
These cybercriminals often disguise themselves as relief organizations or government agencies, sending phishing emails that appear legitimate but actually contain malware or spyware. The FBI warns that pressure to “act fast” may be a sign of a scam.
In the aftermath of disasters, it is crucial for individuals to exercise extreme caution when communicating with unknown entities online. Do not release any financial or personal identifying information (PII) and do not send any money without verifying the authenticity of the organization or individual.
If you have already donated funds and believe you are a victim of a scheme, do not pay additional fees or taxes to obtain a refund of your money. Be wary of services that claim they can recover lost funds, as these may be scams in disguise.
To protect yourself from these threats, consider implementing the following security measures:
1. Enable two-factor authentication for all email accounts.
2. Verify the authenticity of any email by checking the sender’s domain and IP address.
3. Use strong passwords and avoid sharing sensitive information via unsecured channels.
4. Monitor your financial statements and credit reports regularly to detect any suspicious activity.
Remember, in times of crisis, it is essential to prioritize caution and protect yourself from both human scammers and cybercriminals alike.
Source: www.forbes.com
