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After a natural disaster, communities often support victims through donations and relief efforts. However, the generosity of others also attracts scammers looking to exploit the chaos and goodwill. Natural disaster schemes prey on individuals and organizations aiming to help, siphoning resources away from those in need. Help protect your donations and ensure they reach their intended recipients by understanding the common tactics used by these fraudsters.
Common Types of Disaster Relief Scams
• Fake Charities: Scammers create fake charities or impersonate well-known organizations to solicit donations. The phony charities often have names that sound legitimate or mimic established organizations to build trust.
How to Protect Yourself from Fake Charities:
Research the charity before donating. Check its legitimacy through websites like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
• Phishing Emails and Websites: Fraudsters send emails or create websites claiming to represent disaster relief efforts. These communications may contain links that lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal information or payment details.
How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks:
Check the website and contact information. Be wary of websites with misspellings, unfamiliar URLs, or no contact information. Do not click on links in unsolicited emails or messages. Instead, go directly to the charity’s official website by typing the URL into your browser.
• Social Media and Crowdfunding Fraud: Scammers may use legitimate social media platforms and crowdfunding websites to post emotional appeals, often with fake stories or images of disaster victims.
How to Protect Yourself from Crowdfunding Scams:
Look for verified campaigns or those backed by reputable organizations. Be cautious of individuals’ campaigns unless you personally know and trust the fundraiser.
• Door-to-Door Solicitation: In some cases scammers go door-to-door, or set up in high traffic areas, posing as representatives of a charity or relief organization. They may pressure people into making immediate donations in cash or via mobile payment apps.
How to Protect Yourself from Door-to-Door Fraud:
Stick to charities with a proven track record of disaster relief work. Legitimate charities will provide clear details on how they operate and how donations are used.
• Phone Scams: Callers impersonating charitable organizations may ask for donations over the phone, often using high-pressure tactics or emotional pleas to solicit immediate contributions.
How to Protect Yourself from Phone Scams:
Watch for the red flags. High-pressure tactics, vague or inconsistent information, and requests for payment using unconventional methods, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers are all signs that the request may be part of a scam.
In times of crisis, the best way to help is to donate wisely. Scammers undermine genuine relief efforts, but with vigilance and informed decision-making, you can ensure your generosity makes a real impact. For additional information about online scams and cybersecurity visit our website: https://www.myunionstate.bank/services/mobile-and-online-banking/online-security-tips
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