Tsunami Aid E-Mail May Contain Virus Attachment

March 18, 2005

Tsunamis • Researchers Study East Coast Tsunami Danger • Caution - Disaster Relief Scams Ahead • Tsunami Aid E-Mail May Contain Virus Attachment • Scams Interfere with Tsunami Charitable Efforts

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan warns that an e-mail disguised as a plea for tsunami relief donations contains an attachment that, if opened, will infect the user's computer with a virus and spread the virus to other computers. Madigan urged computer users not to open this or any other attachment contained in an unsolicited e-mail.

Madigan said the virus is being sent to unsuspecting computer users in an e-mail with the subject line, "Tsunami Donation! Please help!" The body of the email reads, "Please help us with your donation and view the attachment below! We need you!"

She said that opening the attachment, titled "tsunami.exe," will activate the virus on the individual's computer and forward the virus to other email inboxes. The virus, known as the W32/VBSun-A virus, can only be activated if the attachment is opened, so Madigan strongly urged computer users to never open an attachment that comes with an unsolicited e-mail.

"My office has seen evidence that con artists, and now computer hackers, are using the Internet and e-mail to exploit supporters of tsunami relief efforts," Madigan said.

Madigan reminded computer users that in addition to being aware of viruses contained in the attachments of unsolicited e-mails, any charitable solicitation received through an unsolicited e-mail should be carefully evaluated before a donation is made.

Madigan advised that if consumers are concerned about the legitimacy of a charitable solicitation received via email, they should try to get in touch with the charity over the phone or through the mail to request information about the charity's mission and how donations will be distributed. Madigan said consumers should only donate after all of their questions have been answered and they feel confident the money will be used to help the cause.

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