Current Activity - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster Email Scams, Fake Anitvirus and Phishing Attack Warning

[Current Activity <us-cert () us-cert gov>]

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US-CERT Current Activity

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster Email Scams, Fake Anitvirus and Phishing Attack Warning

Original release date: March 11, 2011 at 10:14 am
Last revised: March 11, 2011 at 10:14 am


US-CERT would like to warn users of potential email scams, fake
antivirus and phishing attacks regarding the Japan earthquake and the
tsunami disasters. Email scams may contain links or attachments which
may direct users to phishing or malware-laden websites. Fake antivirus
attacks may come in the form of pop-ups which flash security warnings
and ask the user for credit card information. Phishing emails and
websites requesting donations for bogus for charitable organizations
commonly appear after these types of natural disasters.

US-CERT encourages users to take the following measures to protect
themselves:

Do not follow unsolicited web links or attachments in email messages.
Maintain up-to-date antivirus software.
Review the Recognizing Fake Antivirus document for additional
information on recognizing fake antivirus.
Refer to the Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks document
for additional information on social engineering attacks.
Refer to the Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams (pdf) document for
additional information on avoiding email scams.
Review the Federal Trade Commission's Charity Checklist.
Verify the legitimacy of the email by contacting the organization
directly through a trusted contact number. Trusted contact information
can be found on the Better Business Bureau National Charity Report
Index.

US-CERT will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Relevant Url(s):
<http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-014.html>

<https://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST10-001.html>

<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/telemarketing/tel01.shtm>

<http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/emailscams_0905.pdf>

<http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/>

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This entry is available at
http://www.us-cert.gov/current/index.html#japan_earthquake_and_tsunami_disaster

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