Mediaboss Marketing

Individuals may be using e-mail and social networking sites to facilitate fraudulent activities.

The FBI is aware of a spam e-mail with the subject line Boston Marathon Explosion and similarly themed messages being circulated to lure potential victims to malicious software and exploits. Spam e-mails and Web sites to which they are linked use a wide variety of deceptions to trick a user into taking actions that put the users computer at risk for infection. Common techniques include links to compromised Web sites and pop-up messages prompting users to download software to view pictures, videos or other files.

The FBI is also aware of numerous questionable domains registered within hours of the Boston Marathon explosions. Though the intentions of the registrants are unknown, domains have emerged following other disasters for fraudulent purposes.

Individuals should always exercise reasonable caution and vigilance when using e-mail and social networking Web sites. Based on experiences from previous times of tragedy, it is reasonable to believe that criminals will continue to exploit such events to solicit fraudulent donations, to obtain victims personally identifiable information (PII), and to further other illegal activities.

Individuals can limit exposure to cyber criminals by taking the following preventative actions when using email and social networking Web sites:

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Fraud Associated with the Boston Marathon Explosions