DNA spoofing site: stay web-safe

While the practice (of impersonation in this context) is known as 'spoofing, it is far from amusing - as the spoofing website aims to deceive FamilyTreeDNA.com customers into providing sensitive information, such as their passwords and DNA kit numbers.

The spoofing website in question is called FamilyTreeDNA.ae - DO NOT USE THIS URL.

FamilyTreeDNA.com would like to make it absolutely clear that their systems are secure and that the FamilyTreeDNA.ae website is in no way affiliated with FamilyTreeDNA.

FamilyTreeDNA.com are fully aware of the situation and have taken all possible steps to notify the authorities and report the spoofing website.

What can you do to keep your DNA safe online?

1. Firstly, FamilyTreeDNA advise that customers access FamilyTreeDNA only through their official websites. The FamilyTreeDNA official websites 'always include "familytreedna.com" in the address'.

To follow are a list of the official FamilyTreeDNA website addresses:

familytreedna.com

discover.familytreedna.com

blog.familytreedna.com

help.familytreedna.com

gap.familytreedna.com

Tip 1: Be cautious of emails or messages directing you to any website other than those listed above.

Tip 2: Be cautious when clicking links. While the correct wording may be displayed on your screen, a nefarious website may hyperlink the correct wording to their spoofing website. In the FamilyTreeDNA.com links above, we have (of course!) linked each website to the correct authentic website.

Tip 3: When reading emails or clicking links, be observant. Are the email addresses correct - do they match the official company website? Are they unexpected? When clicking links, note - have you been directed to the website expected. 

Tip 4: You can avoid links, if you feel uneasy, and use your browser to navigate to the DNA testing company website, in this case FamilyTreeDNA.com

Tip 5: Never share your password or kit number with unverified sources.

What to do if you have interacted with a spoof website

In this instance, if you have interacted the spoofing website, then go to the correct url - FamilyTreeDNA.com and change your password immediate.

FamilyTreeDNA.com advise that if you notice any suspicious communications or sites, that you report them to FamilyTreeDNA.com via their Contact Us page.

The takeaway

The lesson to learn from this is that FamilyTreeDNA is and remains totally secure. 

The success of the activities of the spoofing website can be completely prevented if we each remain observant when online (whether that's social media, reading emails, replying to emails, click links and visiting websites etc).

Keep a close eye on the website addresses of the sites you visit and email addresses you correspond with.

If in doubt that your security may have been breached at any point, change your password and report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities (eg the company which is being targeted for instance).

Stay safe online.