Scam Alert

Christchurch earthquake: forged Red Cross phishing websites.

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We have received reports of a scam email coming through, supposedly from the Red Cross, which directs people to a fake phishing website where you are asked for credit card details.

There could be a number of these fake emails and fake websites surfacing in coming days.

The scam website has the same look and feel as the genuine Red Cross website.

Authorities are looking to close these sites as soon as possible, but more will likely appear.

Signs that this webpage is a forgery

'Christchurch' is spelt incorrectly
The web address is long and not hosted on the Red Cross website
The payment page is not secure.

Our advice

Type in the website address yourself. For the Red Cross go to www.redcross.org.nz
Never click on any links in a spam email, or open any files attached to them, or call a number included in the email.
Don't visit a website by clicking on a link. It can activate all kinds of hidden programmes.
Check the website address carefully. It may be similar to a legitimate charity's, but not quite right.
Never enter your personal details into a website unless you are sure it is genuine.