Red Cross warning over Japan tsunami donation scam

The Red Cross has warned prospective donors who want to give money to the Japan Tsunami Appeal to beware scam emails purporting to be from the charity.

A spokesman for the charity said: "There are some fraudulent emails circulating claiming to be raising money for the Japan Tsunami Appeal. These may request that you donate through companies like Western Union or Money Bookers, which we would never do. If you suspect an email is fraudulent please do not open any attachments or click on any links.

"In addition to this we have also received reports of people requesting money over the phone, or cash on the door step. Although the British Red Cross does undertake both street and telephone fundraising, our calls are for regular commitment by direct debit and not for donations to be given by cash or credit card."

One such email forwarded to theguardian.com includes a donation form requesting details that not only include the donor's credit card details, but also their mother's maiden name, driver's licence or passport details, and Verified by Visa password. Other scam emails may direct donors to a fake website where they will be asked for credit card details; offer a position collecting money for a percentage of the takings; or ask for donations to be made through money transfer companies.

Mark South, a spokesman for the Red Cross, confirmed the email was fake and added that people wanting to donate money to help those in Japan should make sure they never divulge their personal details to an unknown source, no matter who they claim to be. Donors should only give through trusted channels, such as the Red Cross website or via the British Red Cross hotline 08450 53 53 53.

All British Red Cross marketing email addresses end @mail.redcross.org.uk, and the charity does not use general email providers such as BT Internet or Googlemail to solicit donations.

Donors who are suspicious of an email they have received should contact the British Red Cross supporter care team on 0844 87 100 87 or at supportercare@redcross.org.uk.