LIMA, OHIO (WLIO) - The video of the devastation of the California wildfires has touched many people, and they want to help, but scammers are looking to capitalize on their generosity.
If you're trying to figure out if an organization is legit, ask yourself whether you reached out to them or they reached out to you.
When tragedy strikes, instead of helping the victims, scammers are looking to help themselves. If you're trying to figure out if an organization is legit, ask yourself whether you reached out to them or they reached out to you. A real red flag is when they contact you through an email, text, or voicemail trying to get a donation.
“Even if you like what they are saying, still go and do your own independent research. Get a phone number. Don’t donate online; call that phone number to make sure it’s a real place and only use really trusted names like the Red Cross as your charities to go to,” says Lane Montz, President/CEO, BBB of Northwest Ohio.
The Better Business Bureau's sister organization, the Wise Giving Alliance, makes the donation process easier through their website.
Even though people want to give as soon as a disaster strikes, Montz says waiting to do your research will be a good benefit for the victims too.
“And remember there are three phases to every disaster: Rescue, Relief, Recovery. Rescue gets a lot of money up front. People really get motivated. But relief and recovery down the road, they need it too. So, don’t have to act with urgency and pressure; that is just self-imposed. You can give a little bit later, and still those good organizations will get the money where it needs to go,” adds Montz.
The Better Business Bureau's sister organization, the Wise Giving Alliance, makes the donation process easier through their website. Where people can research charities they may feel more comfortable giving their donations.
