Protect yourself from Sandy scammers

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The destruction left behind by Hurricane Sandy has many people eager to help the survivors. But it's important to make sure you don't get scammed while donating to the victims.

Purdue Computer Science professor Gene Spafford said con artists and scammers will take advantage of people who are anxious to help. He said scammers will create fake websites, test messages, and emails claiming to be a charity.
    
He said if a so-called charity contacts you, that should be a red flag. If you have to click on a link that you didn't seek out, that should be another red flag. He said it's best to stick with the well-known organizations like the Red Cross or Salvation Army.

"In general the site will end '.org' and the name will be a very clear indication of the charity," Spafford said.

He said if you have any doubt at all, never give out any of your personal information.