Hurricane Dean websites popping up - beware of fraud

The SANS Internet Storm Center is reporting that some Hurricane Dean websites have popped up.

As hurricane Dean intensified, we did see a number of related domain registrations. At this point, we are not aware of any of them being used fraudulently.

They also point out that the infrastructure is low in the affected areas.  This makes the chances for fraud lower since there is a low chance of a disaster, but it still amazes me that people so quickly take advantage of these types of events.  Take the Hurricane Katrina scams and tsunami scams.  You have people trying to help by contributing funds, and then you have those bottom feeders of humanity taking advantage of those people.  It really is sad.

The way to avoid this type of scam is to only give to bona fide disaster relief organizations.  Here is a list that comes from the US Office of Personnel Management.  This list is probably not a complete list, but it is a big list and a good starting point to make sure you aren't giving to a fraudulent relief organization.