Beware of Phishing Scams Amid LA Fire Relief Efforts

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By UCLA Health IT
1 min read

As the devastating Los Angeles fires continue to displace families and ravage communities, countless individuals are looking for ways to offer help. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are exploiting this goodwill through phishing scams, targeting those who wish to donate to relief efforts.

Phishing scams often involve fraudulent emails, text messages, or social media posts that mimic legitimate organizations. These messages typically include urgent appeals for donations, links to fake websites, or attachments containing malware. Victims who fall for these scams risk not only losing money but also compromising their personal information.

Here are some common tactics used by scammers during the LA fires:

  1. Fake Charity Websites: Scammers create sites resembling well-known charities.
  2. Spoofed Emails: Fraudulent emails urge quick action for donations.
  3. Social Media Fraud: Posts or ads link to fake donation pages.
  4. Phone Scams: Callers impersonate charity representatives, pressuring for credit card donations.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, consider the following precautions:

  • Verify Before Donating: Use established charities and check URLs for "https."
  • Avoid Clicking Links: Go directly to official websites.
  • Be Skeptical of Urgency: Verify claims before acting.
  • Research Crowdfunding: Ensure campaigns are legitimate and connected to verified individuals.

The LA fires have already caused immense hardship, and scammers preying on this tragedy only deepen the impact. By staying vigilant and informed, you can ensure that your contributions truly support those in need. 

For more information on these scams, visit the following resources: https://veriti.ai/blog/california-fires-spark-new-phishing-scams/