How to avoid fraudulent disaster relief organizations

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — As Florida and other areas work to recover from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, many across the nation might be looking for ways to help.

Experts are reminding people who might be looking to make a financial donation to make sure that organizations receiving that money are legitimate. You should make sure that your money will actually go to those impacted by storms.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and AARP Fraud Watch Network said the major thing anyone should do is research before giving financially towards disaster relief.

“We know that there are a lot of organizations that do hurricane relief that are national, that are accredited by the Better Business Bureau that have that reputation that have been around for a long time. So doing that little bit of research before you donate is really important,” said BBB Spokesperson Melanie McGovern.

Experts said people should arm themselves with information before making that emotional financial decision to help.

“We know that it’s very devastating. There’s a lot of emotion involved when it comes to charitable giving, but we ask that people take the time to do their research to make sure not only are they donating to a charity, but a charity that can actually help, that can get the boots on the ground, that can get the resources where those resources need to be,” said McGovern.

Hurricane Milton hit the Siesta Key area in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane at about 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Many people evacuated their homes and many will come back to damaged or lost property. And when they do, they will need help to pick up the pieces.

As people make the decision to financially help, experts remind people that these times bring out illegitimate opportunities.

“Wherever there’s a dollar, there’s a criminal and people really want to help and the criminals know this and that’s why they’ll set up fake charities, fake businesses whatever it is to steal your hard-earned money,” said Amy Nofziger, director of Fraud Victims Support with the AARP Fraud Watch Network.

“What we see is sometimes there will be fake organizations with lookalike names, or they will try to mimic a national organization. So taking a little bit of time to look at it before you make that emotional decision is really important,” said McGovern.

Here are some more tips from experts

• Be wary of the emotional appeal or the urgency to act immediately.
• Research where the organization is located and if they can get help to affected areas
• Ask friends if they have heard of the organization
• Don’t click on unsolicited links
• Be careful on social media

“And also look to the community — what’s the governor saying, what’s the mayor saying, where are they telling you to give your money because that’s a great place to start,” said Nofziger.

“Of course, there is going to be legitimate charities that are advertising on social media but do your research and make sure to check it out,” Nofziger continued.

If people come across a fraudulent disaster relief organization, you can report them to the BBB Scam Tracker, AARP Fraud Watch Network or your state’s attorney’s office.

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