Ford Foundation warns of email scam spoof attack
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Several spam emails are circulating on the internet that use the Ford
Foundation name, logo and web address, the nonprofit philanthropy warned
on its website Tuesday.
Spammers claiming to be from the Ford Foundation invite recipients to
register for overseas conferences, offer free travel and medical
insurance from the foundation. other emails claim the recipients have
won foundation grant money and to contact an office in London to claim
the prize.
"These emails, websites and accompanying materials and claims are in no
way associated with the Ford Foundation or any foundation employees,"
the organization said. "We recommend not responding to emails making
such claims."
The only time the foundation will ask for any information from grantees
is through a secure Grantee Access website.
Phishing attacks and spam email scams recently target small businesses
with phony shipping, IRS and banking emails that appear legitimate. The
emails mimic the design of corporate or organization websites, brands
and logos to spoof the legitimate sources.
People tricked by the emails give away their account information, which
criminals use to steal online funds and to infect computers with
malicious software. Anti spam and phishing filters protect against these
type of scams.
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