The Illinois Attorney General’s office is warning Illinois residents of scammers that may be trying to make money off the current Ebola outbreak.
The office has received several emails with subjects like “People being quarantined,” which purport to be an “Ebola Pandemic Update” that provides a link to so-called “civilian crisis protocol.”
The emails could include links that infect a user’s computer while others offer “surplus personal protection kits” to provide infection defense specifically for members of emergency response teams and law enforcement agencies.
“We suspect these emails are the handiwork of scammers seeking to take advantage of people’s understandable fear and anxiety surrounding this international public health risk,” Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said in a statement. “It’s extremely important that you delete these messages and instead consult legitimate resources for more information about prevention measures underway.”
Madigan is also urging residents to use caution when donating to charitable aid efforts tied to the Ebola outbreak.
“Con artists may seek to exploit the crisis for their owner personal profit,” she said.
For those looking to ensure their donation is used for its intended purpose, Madigan suggested the following tips:
- Ask how much of your donation will go to the charity and how much will be used to pay fundraising costs. Solicitors must give you this information if you ask.
- Pay close attention to the name of the charity. Some fraudulent charities use names that sound or look like those of legitimate organizations to mislead you.
- Ask detailed questions about the charity. Donate only when your questions have been answered and you are certain your money will be used according to your wishes. Ask questions like whether the charity is registered with the Illinois Attorney General’s office and what percentage of the money the charity takes in goes to fundraising, administration and charitable programming.
- Do not pay in cash. For security and tax record purposes, pay by check. Be sure to write the full official name of the charity on your check—do not abbreviate.
- Request written information. A legitimate charity will provide you with information outlining its mission, how your donation will be distributed, and proof that your contribution is tax deductible.
- Do not donate if the solicitor uses high-pressure tactics, asks for cash payment or insists on sending someone to pick up your donation. These are all hallmarks of a scam.
- If you receive an email or text message asking for a donation, confirm that the request is from the charity, and not an imposter, by contacting the charity or visiting its website.
- Be cautious of “look-alike” websites. These fraudulent websites will often ask for personal financial information or may download harmful malware into your computer.
- Don’t assume that charity recommendations on Facebook or social media have already been vetted. Research the charity yourself.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is posting regular updates on the federal government’s response to the Ebola outbreak, including tips on how to minimize the risk of infection, and the Illinois Department of Public Health recently announced its protocol in the event of a suspected Ebola case in Illinois.
