Florida Ag Warns About Phishing E-Mail Exploiting Oil Leak Tragedy

U.S authorities are cautioning Floridians that they mustn't believe a newly launched phishing scheme, which attempts at exploiting netizens victimized in the British Petroleum (BP) oil leak or the 'Deepwater Horizon' disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Bill McCollum, Attorney General of Florida sent out one such alert for the benefit of consumers on July 22, 2010.

Worryingly, a consumer of late complained to the Office of the AG about an e-mail she got that supposedly BP's CEO Tony Hayward had written. In that e-mail it was written that anyone answering back with his private details would receive a funds grant of $500,000 from BP.

Importantly, it appears that the spoofed e-mail posing as a message from Mr. Hayward originated from Nigeria. Consequently, the United States Postal Inspection Service has been notified about it for investigation.

Remarking about the new fraudulent, phishing e-mail, McCollum stated that scammers were openly attempting at cashing in on Floridians whom the Deepwater Horizon disaster affected. Mysuncoast.com published this on July 22, 2010.

Nevertheless, in order to keep consumers safe from the e-mail fraud, it's advised that they mustn't divulge any of their private information to unknown entities. Furthermore, if any consumer has queries regarding the latest or any other scam, it's suggested that he contact AG McCollum's Office on the hotline telephone number alternatively visit the myfloridalegal.com website.

In addition, some more tips are provided for Floridians as also other netizens which they can utilize towards arresting the scam. One, since e-mails that genuine enterprises such as the BP, in the current instance, are screened thoroughly, therefore erroneous e-mails can prove they're phishing messages. The errors, in particular, are spelling or grammatical mistakes. Two, users must deploy high quality anti-malware programs and e-mail filters in order that scam electronic mails don't succeed in entering their inboxes.

Finally, the Better Business Bureau has spotted and reported some more e-mail scams that attempt at capitalizing on the BP oil disaster. These are stock sales of firms supposedly offering to clean up the leak, organizations soliciting voluntary financial aid for relief and cleanup efforts, and work or employment offers.

Related article: Florida’s ‘CyberCrime Awareness Week’ Promotes Activities for Cyber Safety

» SPAMfighter News - 8/3/2010