Facebook Scams Exploit Users Via The Tragedy In Haiti

This past weeks earthquake in Haiti, and the resulting worldwide relief efforts, have touched the hearts of billions around the world. As dozens and dozens of countries step up to help out, numerous well respected charity organizations are appealing for assistance and donations.

The outpouring of support have been phenomenal, and social networks such as Facebook and Twitter have been front and center in their ability to help spread the word. However, the viral effectiveness of social media has also brought out the worst in some – the scammers.

This already disgusting group of people have sunk to a new low buy using the Haitian tragedy to exploit the kindness of those looking to help on Facebook. There have been numerous groups and fan pages spring up, as well as deceptive status messages. Unfortunately, Facebook users who think they are helping Haiti, are only adding to these schemers egos and pockets.

Here is one status message we have found so far that is fake:

“If you believe in helping people lets do this: PLEASE NOTE that this status is being tracked, the owners of facebook have confirmed they will send $1 to the rescue fund for the Haiti earthquake disaster for everytime this is cut and pasted as a status. You only have to leave it for a minimum of 1 hour. Lets all do our bit to help”

As of this time, the owners of Facebook have made no pledges of support public. Updated below

Here is status message being spread around, promoting a group claiming they will donate $1 for every person who joins. But, the group shows no admins and nowhere even states what charity it will be donating too. Sadly, it already has over 1.2+ million members and we’ve seen posters on the discussion board are actually asking where to send the $1…

EVERY PERSON THAT JOINS WE WILL DONATE $1 TO HELP PEOPLE IN HAITI!Please join this group every person that join this group we will donate $1 to help people in Haiti. Become a fan of this page! ? Please Pray For The People That Were Involved In Haiti ?

We will update this post as we find more relevant groups taking advantage of your good will.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a warning on Wednesday calling on internet users “to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence” before responding to online requests for aid to Haiti.

“Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf to ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes,” the FBI said in its advisory.

Within minutes of us posting this article to our blog and , Facebook itself posted the new status message shown below:

 

The address of the link they show in the above message is:

 

UPDATE: JANUARY 19

 

Found some more:

– Yes, they claim $10…lol

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