Thieves posing as representatives of charities and state and federal disaster agencies are preying on peoples’ generosity, looking to steal your money and personal information.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)– Tens of thousands of people saw their homes, businesses, and even towns, completely destroyed by Hurricane Helene, being left with only the clothes on their backs.
As a result, many generous and well meaning Americans are looking for ways to show their support and help those who have been devastated. While some will donate food, clothing and household items, most will donate money to organizations who are on the ground working with people in need.
After every type of disaster, fraud follows as well. Thieves posing as representatives of charities and state and federal disaster agencies are preying on peoples’ generosity, looking to steal your money and personal information.
Consumer protection agencies like the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau and state Attorneys General offer several ways to protect yourself from fraud and make sure your money is going to where it can help:
Donate to charities you know and trust with a proven track record.
Avoid charities that seem to have sprung up overnight related to current events.
Don’t assume charity messages posted on social media are legitimate. Some fraudsters use names and images that sound and look like real charities.
When texting to donate or giving information over the phone, confirm the number on the charity’s website. Thieves can change caller ID to make a call look like it’s from a local area code or a national organization.
Do not pay using cash, gift card, or wiring money. Use a credit card.
Keep a record of all donations and review your statements to verify you’re only charged the amount you agreed to donate – and that you’re not signed up to make a recurring donation.
Organizations that can help you research charities
These organizations offer reports and ratings about how charitable organizations spend donations and how they conduct business:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office Division of Non-Profit Organizations and Public Charities
The IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search tells you if your donation is tax deductible.