Travel Warning: Fake Sites Try To Trick U.S. Visitors

Foreigners trying to register online for travel to the U.S. may face phony websites designed to steal their money and information, or spread malware, McAfee warns
If you are a resident of one of the 36 countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, or know someone who is planning to travel to the United States, beware. 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. These sites prey on foreigner’s lack of familiarity with official U.S. government sites and registration processes.
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.
To help you stay safe, let’s look at the ways (continue reading...)