The Better Business Bureau is encouraging Alaskans looking to help those recently affected by wildfires to research organizations before giving.
BBB Alaska Regional Manager Michelle Tabler said con artists and scammers often follow natural disasters and target those wanting to help.
Tabler: “Go with the charity that you know about, do research for any charities that are reaching out to you unsolicited, it’s always good to give to a charity that, for example, the Red Cross, that has a way to get the money and the supplies to the people. You have to be really careful about these pop-up charities and assistance programs that are asking for money and asking for supplies but then have no way to get it to people of the natural disasters.”
There have not been any reports of scams targeting the Card Street Fire.
Tabler said with the ease of creating social media accounts to collect donations, those often never reach the donors’ intended target.
Tabler: “You also want to watch for the fake victims and beware of maybe bogus families setting up assistance funds, again you want to do some research into that.”
Recently there was a report in Anchorage that an individual set up a GoFundMe account pretending to be a victim and then disappeared with all the donations.
Below are the BBB’s tips for donors:
1. Beware of demanding solicitors. Don’t give in to high-pressure tactics and requests for immediate donations. Take time to research the charity and make up your mind.
2. Use qualified charities. Check to see if the charity has the resources necessary and is equipped to help with disaster relief; otherwise, donations may be not be as effective.
3. Pay with care. Avoid cash donations; write a check directly to the charity, not the fundraiser; and never give out credit card numbers over the phone.
4. Verify. Steer clear of “pop-up” charities with unverifiable background and contact information.
5. Block fake solicitations. Watch out for requests from fake “victims” or memorial social media accounts.