MADISON, Wis. — CUNA Mutual Group is advising credit unions to warn their members about online scams relating to the California wildfires.

Websense Inc., a recognized Web filtering and desktop security software provider, announced its security research team has discovered suspicious online scams designed by criminals to steal money from those donating to the California fire effort.

CUNA Mutual has issued a Risk Alert to its Bond policyholder credit unions advising them to alert their members to the scams and encourage them to follow these Websense recommendations before donating online:
? Ensure you are dealing with legitimate organizations.
? Contact these organizations on your own.
? Go to their Web site rather than clicking on a link in an email sent to you.
? Remember that legitimate organizations will not aggressively approach people for money and donations.
? Be mindful of groups reporting to be affiliated with legitimate organizations asking for donations or requesting you to visit their Web site. They may be fraudulent or hosting malicious code designed to steal personal financial information.
? Be wary of online auctions that claim to support the donation effort.
? Report suspicious Internet sites and emails to the government, and for additional protection tips visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or the Federal government's consumer information center at www.consumer.gov/Tech.htm.