The FBI is warning people that scammers “exploit mass casualty events and disasters to commit fraud by soliciting fake charitable donations.”
People have noticed that this is happening – and it’s really a shame. The scammers mostly operate online but the FBI says that in-person collection drives can also be fraudulent.
After events like a fire, a terrorist attack or a natural disaster, help is often needed and you may want to help.
Five things to bear in mind before you donate:
1> Always be sure that you are giving to the group you want to give to. When a disaster occurs, look for donation information on official web sites.
2> The FBI urges you to “be suspicious of online communications claiming to be from affected individuals seeking immediate assistance.” It’s probably a best-practice to only give to registered charities with good reviews from Charity Navigator.
3> Be very wary of highly-emotional appeals with pressure for you to give immediately. There’s always time to sleep on a decision to make a contribution.
4> Also be very wary of emails or texts urging you to give. Genuine disaster-relief organizations usually do not operate that way. If you have decided to make a donation, do it on an official web site. The FBI says you should not reply to emails, texts, social media posts, attachments or links asking for charitable donations.
5> It’s okay to give a small amount now and then more later if it’s what you want to do. The FBI also urges people to not make donations to anyone who wants your debit card or gift cards or pre-paid cards. It’s one thing to throw $20 into a collection box but do not make donations with large amounts of cash.
If you think you have been defrauded by a charitable donation scammer, you can report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
Ideally it’s best to avoid scammer hassles in the first place. Take your time and confirm before you give.