Youngstown, OH - In the wake of the most powerful earthquake to ever hit Japan, many Americans want to help those impacted by the earthquake and the tsunami that followed. Your Better Business Bureau warns donors to exercise caution when making donations to relief agencies and charities. As with every natural disaster, there are unscrupulous people who will attempt to take advantage of the public’s eagerness to help victims.
“Americans are always very generous and quick to help any victims of a natural disaster,” said Patricia Rose, president of the BBB. “Unfortunately, we have seen that generosity being taken advantage of by scammers, especially after a disaster. We urge consumers to do their research before donating to the relief efforts.”
Your BBB offers the advice for donors to ensure their donations go to trustworthy relief efforts.
Before donating, visit
www.bbb.org/charity to research organizations you’re considering supporting.
Be wary of any charity that is inexperienced in carrying out relief efforts, but is suddenly soliciting for aid in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami. Although well intentioned, they may not be able to quickly deliver aid to those in need.
Ask for written information about the charity’s program(s) and finances such as the charity’s latest annual report and financial statements.
Be wary of charities that are reluctant to answer reasonable questions about their operations, finances and programs.
Ask what the charity intends to do with any excess contributions remaining once they have fully funded the disaster relief activities mentioned in solicitations.
Don’t give cash. Checks or money orders should be made out to the name of the charitable organization, not to the individual collecting the donation.
Beware of fake charities that imitate the name and style of well-known organizations in an attempt to confuse donors.
Don’t give in to excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations. Be wary of any request to send a “runner” to pick up your contribution.
Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion, but short on describing what the charity will do to address the needs of victims and their families.
Don’t give your credit card number or other personal information to a telephone solicitor or in response to an e-mail solicitation.
Make sure your contribution is tax deductible: donations should be made to charitable organizations that are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Go to the
IRS’ website for a current list of all organizations eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable gifts.
For additional information you can trust when making giving decisions, or to view BBB Wise Giving Reports on charities across the nation, start with
www.youngstown.bbb.org.
