Helping disaster relief? Avoid scams

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/09/2017 (3129 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria survivors rebuild their lives, B.C. wildfires continue to rage, and Northern Manitobans have been evacuated to Winnipeg, the world is reminded of the deadly toll natural disasters can take.

With that reminder, for many, comes a desire to help. Most choose to show their support through online donations to relief efforts — but their sympathy and well-intended dollars may end up in the bank account of a scammer.

As despicable as it is, there are groups of people trying to make money from these disasters. They set up websites and crowdfunding pages that claim to send money to hurricane survivors or fire evacuees.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is working to keep you and your money safe. The non-profit organization keeps consumers alert to the latest scams and how they can avoid them.
When it comes to charitable giving, the BBB reminds people of several ways scammers operate — by creating fake organizations, by making up a fake campaign under an existing organization’s name either via a website, email, or phone call, or by claiming to give money to causes while keeping it for themselves.

To fend off fake organizations, check Canada Revenue Agency’s website to ensure that a charitable organization is legitimate.

If that checks out, look at the organization’s website. A URL that begins with “https” means the site is secure (as opposed to “http”).

Remember to examine the organization’s mission and goals to make sure your money is going where you intend it to. See if they offer tax receipts — another way to verify a charity.

Crowdfunding is another method con artists use. People can ask for funds for any cause on these sites, with many claiming they’re raising money for survivors of natural disasters. It’s nearly impossible to verify these claims, so it’s safer to donate to well-established charities you know.
When you’re ready to give, donate with a credit card or through online portals like PayPal.

And remember, delete questionable emails and ignore sketchy phone calls from people asking you to give.

“The BBB wants to protect people from falling victim to scams that aim to take advantage of kind, charitable acts. These con artists prevent much-needed aid from getting to people in dire situations.

It’s necessary that we protect ourselves from scammers,” said Len Andrusiak, chief executive officer and president of the Better Business Bureau serving Manitoba and Northwest Ontario.

Follow the BBB (@BBBManitoba) on Facebook and Twitter for scam alerts and tips.