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Beware of Japan Earthquake Relief Scams
Make Sure Your Donation Goes Where It Is Needed
After natural disasters, thieves will often try to profit from the good intentions of Americans. They send e-mails, make phone calls, and post fake video footage on social media sites in order to steal money and obtain personal information. With heartbreaking images from Japan continuing to dominate the news, U.S. law enforcement officials have been quick to issue warnings about charity scams.
Here's how to ensure your donations are properly used:
• Be cautious of e-mails that claim to be from charities or that promise links to photographs or video footage of disaster areas. Unless you previously have made a donation to a particular group, and provided them with your e-mail address, delete any incoming e-mails seeking a donation.
• To find a charity's website and donate, do not click on a link that you see on a website or an e-mail. Instead, type the charity's name into a search engine. Legitimate nonprofits' Internet addresses typically end in ".org," not ".com."
• Do not donate via requests on Facebook, Twitter or other social networking sites. Scammers can be behind those appeals as well.
• Beware of calls, emails and texts requesting fast money. If you are unfamiliar with the charity, always ask for written materials. No legitimate organization will insist that you donate immediately. Watch out for solicitors who employ dramatic, emotional or heart-tugging stories.
• Never give cash.
• Never give personal information or your debit/credit card number unless you initiated contact with the charity and it is a trusted source.
Many legitimate organizations are soliciting donations specifically for victims in Japan. The better-known names include the American Red Cross, World Vision, Save The Children and Mercy Corps. You can also visit GuideStar nonprofit reports and Forms 990 for donors, grantmakers and businesses or Charity Navigator - America's Largest Charity Evaluator | Home to get detailed information about charities and their performance.
Make Sure Your Donation Goes Where It Is Needed
After natural disasters, thieves will often try to profit from the good intentions of Americans. They send e-mails, make phone calls, and post fake video footage on social media sites in order to steal money and obtain personal information. With heartbreaking images from Japan continuing to dominate the news, U.S. law enforcement officials have been quick to issue warnings about charity scams.
Here's how to ensure your donations are properly used:
• Be cautious of e-mails that claim to be from charities or that promise links to photographs or video footage of disaster areas. Unless you previously have made a donation to a particular group, and provided them with your e-mail address, delete any incoming e-mails seeking a donation.
• To find a charity's website and donate, do not click on a link that you see on a website or an e-mail. Instead, type the charity's name into a search engine. Legitimate nonprofits' Internet addresses typically end in ".org," not ".com."
• Do not donate via requests on Facebook, Twitter or other social networking sites. Scammers can be behind those appeals as well.
• Beware of calls, emails and texts requesting fast money. If you are unfamiliar with the charity, always ask for written materials. No legitimate organization will insist that you donate immediately. Watch out for solicitors who employ dramatic, emotional or heart-tugging stories.
• Never give cash.
• Never give personal information or your debit/credit card number unless you initiated contact with the charity and it is a trusted source.
Many legitimate organizations are soliciting donations specifically for victims in Japan. The better-known names include the American Red Cross, World Vision, Save The Children and Mercy Corps. You can also visit GuideStar nonprofit reports and Forms 990 for donors, grantmakers and businesses or Charity Navigator - America's Largest Charity Evaluator | Home to get detailed information about charities and their performance.
