Chicopee Police warn residents of fake hurricane donation posts Emma McCorkindale — WWLP

Police in Chicopee are warning residents about a new scheme circulating social media.

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Police in Chicopee are warning residents about a new scheme circulating social media.

According to the Chicopee Police Department, schemers are creating fake images of hurricane victims and asking people for donations. The most recent scheme is an image of a girl holding a puppy and being evacuated from a flood area.

The police say that image and many others like it are not real and you should not trust everything that gets put onto social media. The schemers are trying to trick you into clicking a link to “donate” to a fake relief effort or to steal your personal information.

To avoid hurricane schemes, follow these tips provided by the Chicopee Police Department:

Be wary of AI-generated images.

Look for signs that an image might be fake, such as unusual details or inconsistencies.

Make sure that the charity you’re donating to is legitimate.

Only donate through the official websites of well-known charitable organizations.

Don’t act impulsively.

Take time to research before donating or clicking on links, especially in the aftermath of a disaster.

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