Cybercriminals are taking advantage of a relatively new U.S. requirement for travelers from these countries, who register online for travel authorization, and are spreading confusion about the process. Cybercrooks know that the only way to register for travel authorization is online, through Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and they have been busy building phony websites designed to take your information and money.
When McAfee recently did a simple search for “ESTA,” “ESTA form,” or “ESTA online registration” a variety of dangerous websites showed up in search results. What’s more, incidents of these fake visa sites have escalated over the last two weeks following the government’s announcement that it is enacting a $14 fee for travel authorization, beginning September 8, 2010. Now scammers are asking for credit card numbers and financial information as well as personal details on these fake sites.
Due to this visitors to these fake sites face a series of dangers, including loss of money, identity theft, an infected computer, and even burglary since the scammers know what dates visitors will be away from home. Victims may also not be able to travel to the U.S. as planned since they did not get official travel authorization.
We would like to share more information with you on these threats and how consumers can protect themselves from becoming a victim. We would be glad to put you in touch with a McAfee expert on the same.
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