State officials are warning people against making hasty donations for efforts to help those affected by severe storms and hurricanes.
In a joint announcement, the Department of State and the Department of Revenue said that scam artists will sometimes pose as representatives from genuine charitable organizations and sometimes create phony charities to solicit donations from people, but instead of making sure it goes to help others, the scammers will pocket the money for themselves. Donors are encouraged to be fully informed about the charity before making a donation and to follow some simple tips when you do make a donation:
- Do not give to a charity you know nothing about. Call the charity or do some research on your own. Search the name online — with the word “complaints” or “scams.” Check with the Better Business Bureau.
- Do not donate over the phone unless you are familiar with the organization.
- For door-to-door solicitors, ask to see the person’s identification and consider avoiding them altogether. Do not feel pressured into giving and allowing someone into your house.
- Do not give credit card numbers, bank account numbers or other personal financial information over the phone. Never wire money to someone claiming to be a charity.
- Whenever possible, write a check payable to the charity so you have a record of your donation. Or make a donation directly through a legitimate organization’s secure website, rather than a third-party website.
- Don’t click links in unsolicited emails or on social media. Unless you previously donated to an organization, assume that an unsolicited donation request by email is a scam. Plus, links in emails or social media can unleash malware.
