The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is warning consumers to beware of unfamiliar organizations soliciting funds for victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Scammers will seek to gain access to credit card numbers and bank accounts in order to commit identity theft. Unscrupulous charities may also seek donations, even though only a small percentage of the money- - if any - - will actually be used to help earthquake victims. Similar scams occurred during other disasters such as the tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
“Our prayers are with the people of Haiti as well as all New Yorkers with ties to the Haitian community, some of whom scammers may target as they look for ways to assist in the relief effort,” said Governor David A. Paterson. “We applaud the New York spirit of giving and remind consumers to be mindful of steps they should take when considering donating time and money to help victims of the tragedy in Haiti.”
“Scammers exploit current events,” said CPB Chairperson and Executive Director Mindy A. Bockstein. “Before consumers respond with their heart to a request to support the relief and recovery effort, they should make sure they’re donating to legitimate organizations. Be generous but beware.”
While consumers are urged to be careful about bogus charities that spring up in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, they will also need to remain vigilant about avoiding scams throughout the massive, long-term relief and rebuilding efforts.
ALERT DETAILS: Many legitimate organizations are seeking donations to aid victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. In order to help consumers avoid unscrupulous solicitors, and be sure they’re contributing to bona fide charities, the CPB recommends the following tips:
- Contribute to known and verifiable charities. Research the organization’s status, registration filings and complaints by contacting the CPB, Office of the NYS Attorney General, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and/or the Better Business Bureau. You can search the NYS Attorney General’s online database of registered charities at www.oag.state.ny.us.
- Beware of callers who want your money fast or use high-pressured tactics. When solicited by phone, always ask the caller to send you written materials about the charity. No legitimate organization will insist that you donate immediately. Watch out for solicitors who employ dramatic, emotional or heart-tugging stories. Ask for written information about the charity and how your money will be spent or distributed.
- Avoid giving cash. Make checks out to the charity not to an individual. Give your contribution by check or credit card so that you have a record of the donation. If you choose to make a donation via a charity’s website, check to ensure that the website is secure and that your computer is equipped with the latest anti-virus protection. Don’t send contributions with a “runner,” by wire or overnight parcel pick-up service.
- Guard against fake solicitations. Be wary of unsolicited mailings, phone calls and e- mails requesting donations. Unless you have signed up to receive e-mails from a charity of your choice, do not respond to e-mail solicitations. Don’t click on any links contained in these emails, as you may be directed to a fake website made to look like a legitimate organization’s official site. Other e-mails ask for money to be sent to off-shore bank accounts.
- Don’t disclose personal or financial information. Never give your Social Security number, credit card or debit card number or other personal identifying information in response to an unsolicited charitable request, especially over the phone.
Consumers who receive suspicious requests for donations are encouraged to immediately report them to the CPB using the online Consumer Complaint Form found at www.nysconsumer.gov or by calling our toll-free hotline at 1-800-697-1220. For more information on scam prevention and to view scam alerts, visit www.nysconsumer.gov.
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection serves as the state's top watchdog and think tank on a wide range of consumer related issues. Among the services it provides, the Division investigates and resolves consumer complaints, educates the public about product recalls, and represents consumers before public utilities and other state and federal agencies.