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Emails linking to fraudulent donation pages are circulating in the wake of catastrophic wildfires that have torn through Los Angeles communities.
One of the only things sadder than the aftermath of natural disasters are the scammers who inevitably emerge to take advantage of them, and that’s exactly what’s happening in the wake of the recent wildfires in California.
Researchers at Check Point Software have observed a range of scam campaigns circulating via email and with embedded QR codes that lead to fraudulent donation pages and phishing sites.
“Following the recent fire incident in Los Angeles, attached is a document outlining practical measures and preventative strategies that may help mitigate the risk of similar occurrences in the future,” one scam email said.
The attached document does feature somewhat of a giveaway that it may have been recycled from a previous scam campaign, saying: “Here’s the document shared with you from human resources/admin department.”
The QR code links to a website designed to harvest Microsoft account login credentials.
Other emails contain fake donation and charity requests, some purporting to be from Los Angeles residents who lost houses in the disaster.
“My family and I have lost our home due to the devastating fire in Los Angeles, leaving us homeless,” another scam email said.
“We urgently need financial assistance to get back on our feet. To support me, please consider sending donation via … ” it continued, before adding details of accounts of Cash App and Venmo. The email also includes a photo of the alleged fire victim.
Check Point recommends businesses to educate their employees in how to recognise and report scam emails and to employ email security solutions that can block phishing attempts via QR codes. Mobile device management and a robust incident response plan are also recommended, while individuals should be aware of the kinds of emotional manipulation scammers employ.
“The Los Angeles wildfires remind us of the importance of community and mutual support during challenging times,” Check Point said.
“Yet, scams like these highlight the need to be informed and cautious when contributing to relief efforts. By understanding the tactics used – such as misleading QR codes and fraudulent donation pages – individuals can take simple steps to protect their generosity.”
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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