Hurricane Charity Scams

An administrator with the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection cautions residents to make sure the money they are donating towards Hurricane relief efforts is going to legitimate organizations. Frank Frassetto says there are scammers that will take advantage of your good nature. He says you should never give out cash or send a money order. Checks are normally written to an organization and not an individual, which offers you some protection. If you are not sure about an organization you can check online at charitynavigator.org, give.org, charity watch and guide star. You can also check with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster to make sure a group is what it says it is. Charities also must register at the state’s Department of Financial Institution website.