Better Business Bureau Warns of Fundraising Scams Involving Colorado Flood Victims

WALLINGFORD, Conn. - Sept. 19, 2013 - PRLog -- BBB Offers Tips to Help Donors Make Wise Decisions

As flood victims in Colorado concentrate on putting their lives back together, Connecticut Better Business Bureau urges donors to be selective and not be rushed into choosing a charity to help victims.

Within hours of natural and man-made tragedies, scammers start working the phones, sending out email solicitations and loading social media sites with links to fraudulent websites or charities with names similar to those of legitimate organizations.

Connecticut BBB offers the following guidelines for giving:

Find out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas. Avoid well-meaning, local startup charities, which may not have the necessary experience in collecting and distributing donations.

See if the charity’s website clearly describes what it’s doing to address immediate needs.  Watch out for charities that don’t already have staff in affected areas as they may not be able to provide assistance quickly.

Find out if the charity provides direct aid or is raising money for other groups. If the latter, avoid the middleman and give directly to the principal charity.

Be cautious of spam messages and emails that claim to link to a relief organization.  If you want to give to a charitable organization involved in relief efforts, go directly to the charity’s website.

Be careful relying on third-party recommendations from bloggers or websites. Instead, visit the BBB Wise Giving Alliance (http://www.bbb.org/us/Wise-Giving/) website  to research national charities and relief organizations to verify the charity meets the BBB 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims. Despite what an organization might claim, charities have fundraising and administrative costs. Even a credit card donation involves, at a minimum, a processing fee.

Look for a charity, rather than respond to solicitations for donations.  This gives you the opportunity to make sure you are dealing with an honest and effective organization.  Don’t give out personal or financial information unless you know the charity is reputable.

Be careful how you give. Never send cash, a cashier’s check or money by wire transfer.  This helps protect you and confirm the fundraising organization will receive your donation.

In the days following a disaster, find out from well-known charities whether they or an affiliated organization or business has taken up collections.  Community groups can also offer leads about local fundraising efforts.

Take your time and do your research at www.bbb.org when selecting a charity, to ensure your donation is collected and distributed to the people who need it most.