FBI warns about fake Katrina charity Web sites

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Many of the 4,000 Web sites advertising relief services for Hurricane Katrina could be fake and about 60 percent of them come from overseas -- a sign they may be bogus, the FBI said on Tuesday.

Senior FBI and Justice Department officials warned Americans who want to donate money to the relief effort to be cautious to avoid fraudulent charities, including those that pretend to be major organizations like the Red Cross.

"Just like these natural disasters bring out the best in people, they also bring out some of the worst elements of the criminal element out there who are willing to take advantage of those who are willing to give and those who so desperately need the relief," said Chris Swecker, chief of the FBI's criminal investigative division.

Swecker said the FBI is investigating sites of fraudulent charities. He said there are about 4,000 sites advertising Katrina relief services, and about 60 percent of them are coming from overseas.

"That is not a reason unto itself to conclude that that's a scam Web site, but it is a reason to be cautious," he said.

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said some of the bogus sites had been shut down but would not give details on the number or how many investigations had been launched.

"We must ensure that those offering a helping hand do not become victims themselves and that those found preying on the compassion of our citizens are punished," he said.

The Red Cross' general counsel, Mary Elcano, said the organization had hired a security company to scan the Internet for fake e-mails that try to trick people into providing credit card numbers and personal information on a Web site that looks like the one run by the Red Cross.

"If the companies don't go away ... the Department of Justice will prosecute and, if necessary, the Red Cross will file a civil action to seek restitution," she said.

Officials urged people who want to donate money not to click on links but to directly type in the Web address of the charity in order to donate.