How to avoid scammers when donating to hurricane relief
Sep 23, 2022, 1:00 PM
Fallen palm trees lay over the Ports of Call Resort entrance after the passage of Hurricane Fiona in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Vivian Tyson)
(AP Photo/Vivian Tyson)
SALT LAKE CITY – Hurricane Fiona has left a path of devastation for residents of Caribbean islands like Bermuda, The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. More than 800,000 people are still without power, according to poweroutage.us.
Many people are wanting to help, and scammers are trying to take advantage of those with good intentions.
The Better Business Bureau has provided some tips to help donate effectively and avoid scammers
- Look for appeal clarity. Seek out charities that are transparent in what services they are providing.
- Give to experienced groups. Support experienced organizations and be cautious of newly formed organizations. New organizations formed in the wake of a disaster could be a scam, or might not be able to follow through on what they promise.
- Understand crowdfunding. Give to those you know and trust. Make sure to review their policies and procedures.
- Give money rather than goods. Giving money is the fastest way to help, and can provide charities with flexibility in how they can help.
- Rely on expert opinion. Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. Reference charities that are on the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability, found at BBB’s Give.org.
- Be cautious about 100 percent claims. See how these funds are being allocated to achieve that mission.
Scammer free charities
Below is a list of BBB-accredited charities that are helping collect disaster relief funds for Hurricane Fiona.
- American Red Cross
- Hurricane Fiona Activities
- Direct Relief
- Hurricane Fiona Activities
- Episcopal Relief and Development
- Hurricane Fiona Activities
- Food for the Poor
- Hurricane Fiona Activities
- GlobalGiving
- Hurricane Fiona Activities
- Hispanic Federation
- Hurricane Fiona Activities
- Heart to Heart International
- Hurricane Fiona Activities
- International Medical Corps
- Hurricane Fiona Activities
- Operation USA
- Hurricane Fiona Activities
- Save the Children
- Hurricane Fiona Activities
- United Methodist Committee on Relief
- Hurricane Fiona Activities
Related
- Fearsome Hurricane Fiona could be Canada’s strongest-ever storm
- Hurricane Fiona makes landfall along Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast after the territory plunges into a total power blackout
- Utah Task Force One sends two members to help Puerto Rico
