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Step 1
Always give money to already established and recognized charities. These include organizations that you have either given to in the past or know someone who has donated to them.
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Step 2
Be wary of charitable organizations that are established out of nowhere or very quickly. Even if they are not fraudulent, they may be inefficient and disorganized. Your money will likely get to the victims of hurricanes faster and more effectively if you do not go through a start-up organization. Also, be cautious when donating to an organization that sounds very similar or familiar to nationally recognized and known relief organizations. Some fraudulent groups use similar-sounding names to fool people.
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Step 3
Donate your money directly to the recognized charity, not the people asking for your money on behalf of the charity. Two reasons: first, because most people soliciting will actually take a cut of the proceeds that have been donated to cover their own expenses, so less of your money will actually reach the real victims; and second, you do not know for sure if these solicitors are legitimate. The best way to ensure your money will reach the victims is to donate directly to the charitable organization.
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Step 4
Do not give out personal or financial information under any circumstances. This includes any credit card numbers, social security numbers or bank account numbers. Solicitors should not even ask for this information; if they do, this should be a big tip-off that something is not right. If you do give out information inadvertently, contact your credit card company, your bank and the local authorities because chances are this fraudulent scam has affected someone else.
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Step 5
Do a little research on your particular charity. Check out its website, call and talk to people in the organization, and ask questions about how to donate and where your money will go. You can also contact the Better Business Bureaus’s Wise Giving Alliance.
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Step 6
Never give the organization or its solicitors cash, and do not send cash. Once you donate, you should also ask for a receipt or letter confirming your donation. This is not only to protect you but for tax record purposes. Therefore, you should donate either by check or credit card. Be sure to make the check out to the official name of the charity. For some charities, you can donate online using a credit card.
