Before you donate, it’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of any charitable organization. Check if the charity is registered with the Maryland Secretary of State’s Public Registry.
As communities across the Southeast work to recover from the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many people are eager to help those affected through donations. However, disaster situations often attract scam artists who set up fake charities to exploit your goodwill.
Before you donate, it’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of any charitable organization. Check if the charity is registered with the Maryland Secretary of State’s Public Registry. Consider donating to established national or local charities with a proven track record in disaster relief. Websites like GuideStar and Charity Navigator offer insights into an organization’s financials and mission, helping you make informed choices about where to contribute.
Some strategies shared by the Maryland's Attorney General instructs you should keep in mind to protect yourself from fraud to:
Never agree to give money over the phone or to a door-to-door solicitor. Ask the caller or solicitor for written information about the charity and read it before making your decision.
Avoid high-pressure and time-sensitive tactics, such as solicitors who are urging you to make an immediate donation. Even if the charity has an urgent need for money, the need will still exist after you have vetted the organization to make sure it’s legitimate.
Be wary about clicking on requests for donations found in emails, on a third-party website, or on social media. Scammers frequently lure consumers through social media or emails to fake websites, which are set up to steal personal and/or financial information or to release malware onto your computer.
Before donating to a particular organization, search the charity’s name online with terms like “scam” or “review” to see what, if any, experiences others have had with it.
Don’t respond to requests for prepaid credit cards, gift cards or bitcoin. Someone asking for donations in prepaid credit cards, gift cards, or bitcoin is most likely a scammer.
Do not agree to send money through a courier or wire. Legitimate charitable organizations do not send couriers to pick up contributions.
Be cautious of charities that use names or logos similar to reputable organizations; these can often be scams. A legitimate charity should clearly explain how your donation will be utilized and provide a receipt for tax purposes.
Your generosity can significantly impact those in need, but staying vigilant is key. By following these tips, you can ensure your contributions truly benefit the victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
For more guidance on making safe charitable donations, check out our “Keeping Your Eyes Open When Donating to Charities” Consumer’s Edge article.
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