Scam or NotScam No. 0102026-10-28
Is this text a scam?
Subject: Families lost everything in the storm. Please help today.
SCAM
SStorm Relief Fund <[email protected]>
Text Message · Today 9:41
Dear friend,
Thousands of families lost their homes in this week's storm. They need food, water and shelter right now.
Your gift can reach them today. Give now at storm-relief-fund.example.
To speed up your gift, reply with your card number and bank account details so we can confirm it.
Thank you for your kindness.
Storm Relief Fund Team
Recreated from Source 1 (IRS, How to avoid fraud and scams after a disaster), which describes unsolicited emails from thieves posing as charities, bogus sites with names like real charities, and requests for personal financial information.
3 red flags
- RED FLAG 1Came out of nowhereYou never asked for this email, and that is how these scams usually start.
Source: “These disaster scams normally start with unsolicited contact.” link - RED FLAG 2Copycat charity nameThe site uses a name that sounds like a real charity to get your money.
Source: “Bogus websites use names like legitimate charities. They do this scam to trick people to send money or provide personal financial information.” link - RED FLAG 3Wants your bank infoNever hand your card or bank numbers to someone asking you for a donation.
Source: “Donors should not give out personal financial information to anyone who solicits a contribution.” link
Safe move
Check the charity first
Look up the charity with the IRS search tool before you give a single dollar.
Source: “The Tax Exempt Organization Search helps users find or verify qualified charities.” link
Look up the charity with the IRS search tool before you give a single dollar.
Source: “The Tax Exempt Organization Search helps users find or verify qualified charities.” link
Send this to the one who'd tap it.
Watch the video Play today's round More from Scam or Not