Feds Warn Against Boston Marathon Bomb Scams
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Spencer Platt/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Just minutes after Americans leapt into action to help their fallen countrymen after a pair of bombs blew up at the Boston Marathon Monday, less scrupulous individuals took to the Internet to take advantage of the tragedy.
A new unclassified bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security, sent to law enforcement on Tuesday, says that in addition to fake Twitter accounts, dozens of new websites have been registered with names linked to the deadly event — many characterizing themselves as fundraising efforts.
“It is unclear what each registrants intent may be, but historically, scammers, spammers and other malicious actor capitalize on major news events by registering such domains,” the bulletin says.
The DHS’ National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, the office that sent the notice, recommends that anyone who wants to donate money in support of the Boston victims should “rely on official fund raising charities such as the American Red Cross.”
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