Smart Safety: Charity Scams

 

Do You Know Where Those Hurricane Ida Donations Are Really Going? On the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ida took out a Louisiana power plant, leaving many individuals without electricity for weeks. New Orleans is encouraging evacuees not to come home until further notice. As the state starts recovery efforts, many of us are willing to help through online donations, but where exactly is that donation going? The sad truth is internet scam artists are set up fake sites to take advantage of our generosity and funnel money away from the organizations who work with Ida survivors who need it so desperately.

I had a chance to learn more about charity scams in this interview with Pat, executive director for the Center for Cyber Safety and Education. 

 

1. How common is it for scam artists to crop up after a disaster?
   Scammers play upon our emotions and tragedies and our natural desire to want to help make us great targets. When we feel that sense of urgency as pictures fill our tv screen every evening we often let our guard down. Scammers know that and take advantage of our rush to help. Disaster related charities and the fake ones always see a spike in giving after a large event.

 

2. How can people be sure that their charitable donations are really going to reputable places, disaster or no disaster?
   First off you always want to make sure that you are actually giving to the right organization. Don’t click on links that people send you or post you see on the internet. They may look legitimate but could be just a great fake cover. Always type in the actual web address of the agency you want to support. Then research their involvement in the relief effort you want to support and designate your gift for that effort. The donor can always direct the funds where they want them to go and the agency is required to spend it according to your wishes or return it.

 

3. If people want to donate on a more local level than giving to a national organization like the Red Cross or Salvation Army, how can they do that safely?
   Do your homework. If you are not personally familiar with the organization and the people operating it, do some research on them. Check for reviews on  BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, and GuideStar. These are great nonprofit “watchdog” groups. But no matter the organization, it is best to use a credit card to make a donation. Don’t do large sums of cash, gift cards or even use your debit card. Credit cards provide the most fraud protection for you.