Beware of charity fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina
Provided by the UCD Police Department
Sept. 2005
Even in the days following the disaster, it is apparent that the relief being provided by public and private contributors will be on a larger scale than any relief effort in history.
Unfortunately, charity fraud knows no bounds and will surely attempt to take advantage of the devastation created by Hurricane Katrina. Charity fraud is the solicitation of donations by con artists purporting to represent real or fake charitable organizations.
Below are some tips to make sure that your donations are used to support the worthwhile cause for which you intended them:
• Donate to recognized charities you have given to before. Watch out for charities that have sprung up overnight. They may be well-meaning, but generally lack the infrastructure to provide assistance. And be wary of charities with names that sound similar to familiar organizations. Some phony charities purposely use names that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations.
• Give directly to the charity, not the solicitors for the charity. Solicitors take a portion of the proceeds to cover their costs, which leaves less for victim assistance.
• Don’t give out personal or financial information. Don’t give Social Security numbers, credit card or bank account numbers to anyone who solicits contributions. Scam artists use this information to commit fraud.
• Check out charities before you donate. Contact the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance at www.give.org
• Don't give or send cash. For security and tax record purposes, contribute by check or credit card. Write the official name of the charity on your check. You can contribute safely online through national charities like www.redcross.org/donate.
• Ask for identification if you're approached in person. Many states require paid fund-raisers to identify themselves as such and to name the charity for which they're soliciting.
If you have questions, call UCD Police Officer Lynn Whitten, at 303-724-0739.
Information obtained from the Federal Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov/.
