Beware of Scammers Exploiting the California Wildfires: Tips for Your Safety
The catastrophic wildfires have wreaked havoc on neighborhoods in Los Angeles, leading to the destruction of homes and forcing many residents to flee.
As the flames pose ongoing threats, individuals across the nation eager to assist those impacted might fall victim to cyber frauds taking advantage of the situation.
However, there are measures to ensure safe online practices. Here’s how to spot potential scams while helping those affected by the Southern California wildfires.
Understanding How Disasters Can Create Online Risks
According to Cliff Steinhauer, the information security and engagement director at the National Cybersecurity Alliance, scams often arise in the wake of natural disasters or significant news events, a trend gaining prevalence.
During crises like the Los Angeles wildfires, many feel compelled to help. As Steinhauer noted, “When you want to assist, you may get emotionally invested, and the urge to donate can cloud your judgment, making it easy to overlook verifying the legitimacy of the cause.”
Scammers closely monitor disaster news, as the more aligned their deception is with current events, the higher their chances of success.
A 2024 report by Consumer Reports revealed that nearly half of Americans have experienced a cyberattack or scam online, with 19% of those affected admitting they lost money to these fraudulent schemes.
Identifying Common Scams and Social Engineering Techniques
Several frequent scams linked to such events demand awareness, primarily revolving around “social engineering.”
Social engineering involves manipulation tactics to access sensitive digital information, including passwords and private data.
Scammers may create fake donation websites that blend in with authentic news coverage and urgent updates, exploiting the goodwill of donors.
Moreover, scammers may pose as people offering assistance to those impacted by the disaster. Steinhauer warns that “they could collect sensitive bank details or personal information to commit identity theft.”
Cybercriminals might impersonate governmental organizations or charities to gain trust and exploit individuals financially or digitally. Thus, whether you’re giving or seeking help, it’s essential to verify the legitimacy of the organizations you engage with.
Additionally, scammers can initiate contact through phishing emails, spam texts, or phone calls, often directing victims to harmful websites.
The emergence of artificial intelligence has further complicated the identification of scams.
“With AI, attackers utilize generative language models, resulting in more sophisticated phishing attempts that are harder to detect,” Steinhauer explained. “These messages typically have better grammar and fewer spelling errors than before.”
Tips for Online Safety
Both those looking to donate and people in need of support should approach their online interactions with caution.
Steinhauer recommends being vigilant for indicators such as misspelled URLs, unusual domain names, and security warnings when visiting a site.
While phishing attempts are primarily outbound, exercise caution with contact details found on social media.
“Occasionally, you might come across phone numbers or emails promoted in paid social media ads,” Steinhauer cautioned. “Not every advertisement is legitimate.”
The Better Business Bureau advises skepticism towards vague initiatives that do not clarify how donations will be utilized, and encourages checking charity credibility on Give.org for trustworthy options.
GoFundMe has compiled a list of verified fundraising campaigns and claims to have a dedicated team that continuously updates this list with new confirmed fundraisers.
For further suggestions on supporting those affected by the wildfires, YSL News offers a comprehensive directory of services, charities, and organizations along with additional resources.
