Arkansans have seen the photos and videos showing the devastation from Hurricane Harvey in Houston and across south east Texas and want to help. Donors, however, must be cautious, according to a news release from Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.
“Many times following natural disasters, the Attorney General’s office receives reports of unscrupulous ‘charities’ targeting Arkansans knowing that we will offer help to those in need. These con artists will tug at the heartstrings of giving people in hopes money will be turned over in support of whatever cause the criminals are using,” according to the release.
Scammers provide as little information as possible about their “organization,” while still trying to convince potential donors about the legitimacy of the “charity” that will help those who have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey, according to the release.
“Many of these fake organizations will pick a name and logo that is similar to an existing, legitimate organization that is helping those in need in Texas,” Rutledge said. “Arkansans must stay diligent, do their research on charities and know how their money will be used.”
Rutledge released the following tips to help consumers give to only legitimate charities:
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
• If you receive a phone solicitation for donations, don’t immediately get out the checkbook or credit card. High-pressure sales tactics are red flags of possibly dealing with an unscrupulous charity.
• Do research. Get the organization’s name, address, website and phone number, or give directly to a known nonprofit. Make sure the nonprofit organization is registered with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.
• Use GuideStar.org to compare nonprofit organizations and to get more information.
• Ask the organization how it will spend donations.
• Watch out for similar but different organization names as some con artists will use names like those of existing, reputable nonprofits in order to trick consumers.
• Don’t give out financial or personal information over the phone or through email to an unknown entity. This information could fall into the wrong hands, or the scammers could use it to steal someone’s money or identity.
• Never send cash. Make check or credit card payments for increased security and tax purposes.
• If donating through a text message, verify the organization’s number before doing so.
• Also be wary of charities that pop up quickly in response to Hurricane Harvey. Even if they are legitimate, they oftentimes don’t have a system in place to get donations to those in need. Consider giving to an established organization which helps disaster victims in the area.
Details: Arkansas Attorney General’s office, 800-482-8982, or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.