HUD's Web Management Operating Procedures

Section 3: Management Controls

F: Brand Infringement And Fraud

Once in awhile, we become aware of a website that appears to be a HUD website - by its content or by its look and feel or by its URL. Though we may wish these websites wouldn't exist, they are perfectly legal...as long as they do not represent themselves as being an official HUD website. If another website appears to represent as an official HUD website, you should alert the Departmental Web Team. The Web Team will review the site and, if they agree, forward it to the General Counsel for action.

What to Look For

• No organization, outside of HUD, can use the official HUD seal. If the HUD seal appears on another website and the seal seems to be used to indicate HUD sponsorship, report it.
  
  
• If a website looks like a HUD website - maybe it has a URL with "HUD" in it or it talks about a HUD program, check to see if there is a disclaimer somewhere on the front page. Normally, they are at the bottom. As long as there is a disclaimer that says the website or organization is not officially affiliated with HUD, it is OK. However, if it appears to be a HUD site and has no obvious disclaimer, then refer it to the Departmental Web Team.
  
  
• There is growing concern about the new technical trick called "phishing" - where a website is made to look like an official website for the purpose of defrauding people (collecting personal information, etc.). Be on the lookout for any websites that might be trying to use phishing; report them immediately.