Alabama Attorney General Steven Marshall is warning the public to exercise caution before giving money to assist victims of the tornadoes that hit Alabama March 3.
“Sadly, criminals often seek to profit from others’ tragedies, therefore we must be vigilant in our charitable giving,” Marshall said in a March 6 press release.
Marshall advises donors to research charities before giving money in order to ensure their money is really going to help tornado victims.
Do your research
He recommends the following precautions before giving:
–Search the Alabama charities database on the Attorney General’s website.
–Search the charity’s name online with words like “complaint” and “scam.”
–Check out the charity’s ratings with groups like the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator and Charity Watch.
The following questions may help donors discern which organization will best meet the goals they have for their gifts:
–What are the charity’s website, address, and mission?
–How much of your donation will go directly to services, rather than fundraising?
–If you wish your donation to be used for Alabama’s tornado victims, ask if the money will be spent for this in particular and not for the charity’s overall purposes. Marshall also advises caution when it comes to donation requests through social media and crowdfunding sites.
Avoid scams
“While many requests for donations through social media and crowdfunding sites are legitimate, some are scam,” according to the press release. “For example, there are people who misuse real pictures and stories to get you to donate, but the money goes into their own pockets. Crowdfunding sites often have little control over who uses them and how donations are spent. Research before you give. Don’t assume that solicitations on social media or crowdfunding sites are legitimate – even when they are shared or liked by your friends. Do your own research. And call or contact your friends offline to ask them about the post they shared.”
By checking out organizations before giving, donors can verify their money will go to help storm victims and not to fund fraudsters, Marshall said.
“Know and use the resources available to check the legitimacy of charitable organizations so that your donations really do go to help those in need.”
Marshall also offered the following tips:
Be careful how you pay
–If someone asks you to send them cash, wire money, donate by gift card, or leave money under your front doormat for pickup, don’t do it! That’s how scammers often ask you to pay. It’s safer to pay by credit card or check.
–If you’re donating online, check that the webpage where you enter your payment information has “https” in the web address. That means your information is transmitted securely.
–Legitimate charities will give you a receipt with the amount of your donation. Keep that record and check your credit card and bank statements to make sure you’re only charged for the donation you wanted to make.
Watch out for scammers’ tricks
–Scammers spoof caller ID to make their fundraising calls look like they are from your local area code, or from an organization you know.
–Scammers pressure you into donating immediately before you have time to do research. Reputable charities do not use coercive tactics and welcome your donation at any time.
–Scammers will thank you for a donation you don’t remember making. Scammers do that to trick you into thinking you actually made a pledge and to guilt you into sending money.
Marshall urged people to contact his office or law enforcement if they suspect someone is trying to illegally solicit contributions.
Consumers and officials can report concerns of alleged fraud to the Attorney General’s Consumer Interest Division by calling 1-800-392-5658, by writing to 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36130, or by visiting https://ago.alabama.gov/ConsumerComplaint.
Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief (ABDR) is accepting donations to aid victims of the Alabama tornadoes. All gifts to ABDR are used to provide direct aid. To give securely online, go to https://sbdr.org/donate/.
Gift cards from home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot or retailers like Walmart or grocery stores in the affected areas are another way to help because they allow residents to purchase what they need.
Gift cards can be sent to local Baptist associations or to the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, Attn: Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 681970, Prattville, Alabama 36068-1970.
Donations to ongoing disaster relief ministry may be made by check (note “Alabama Disaster Relief” on the check) at the same address.
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