Cybercriminals are again taking advantage of global events, this time the Syrian crisis, to spread spam e-mails to users’ inboxes.
Scammers use the name of the British Red Cross to send e-mails titled “Syria crisis” informing the recipients that each day death and destruction are affecting many people in the country, with over 5.1 million citizens displaced, 1.86 million refugees fleeing to neighbouring and nearby countries and more than 100,000 meeting death.
All over Syria, volunteers and staff from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent have been fighting against death in order to help vulnerable citizens, however, the crisis is becoming worse, so food, shelter, water and medical care are essential for people, the e-mail says.
Cybercriminals have actually copied this part of the message from the British Red Cross website, but the next part is quite untrustworthy – it directs the user to the Red Cross website for offering charities, which is legal. However, if the financial donation is over £500 the e-mail recipient is advised to dispatch the money in the name of Helen Paula through Western Union or Money Gram.
Even though the Red Cross is appealing for financial help for Syrian victims, it does not use the services of those payment companies. Anybody thinking about making a donation must be cautious and ensure they use the legitimate British Red Cross website to support the cause.
There are also other scammers that are taking advantage of the Syrian crisis by appearing to be Syrian people who seek financial help overseas for establishing businesses.