Long Time...No Post

It's been a while since the last post.  Been busy working on a bunch of new web applications, proposals, and the new SecureResearch CMS system to be available soon.  Wanted to get a quick post out there as I know for all the good that people want to do there are also a bunch of scams out there as well.  The FBI put out a press release titled "Haitian Earthquake Relief Fraud Alert" and it has the following pointers, these should apply before making any charitable donation:

Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) incoming e-mails, including clicking links contained within those messages.

Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as surviving victims or officials asking for donations via e-mail, in person or social networking sites.

Beware of organizations with copy-cat names that are similar to those of reputable charities, but are not exactly the same.

Verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming the group's existence and its nonprofit status rather than following a purported link to the site.

Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.

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.

Do not be pressured into giving contributions. Legitimate organizations do not use these methods.

Do not give your personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions: providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.

Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by a credit card or write a check to the charity. Do not write checks to individuals.

The full text can be found here: http://www.ic3.gov/media/2010/100115.aspx