Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody issued a consumer alert urging Floridians to remain cautious when donating to relief efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Scammers often exploit disasters for personal gain. Moody advises donors to verify charities through resources like Give.org or Charity Navigator, avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited requests, and be wary of charity names that resemble legitimate organizations.
READ: Polk County Sheriff’s Office Searching For Owners Of Lost Pets After Hurricane Milton
“Our state just suffered the one-two punch of two major hurricanes—Helene and Milton. Millions were affected by these disasters. In times of hardship, generous Floridians may desire to give to relief efforts, but this is when scammers can strike. Be cautious when deciding where to donate so that your money can go to the intended cause,” said Moody.
Tips to avoid charity scams in the wake of a disaster include the following:
- Check the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at Give.org or Charity Navigator to determine whether a charity exists and if there are any complaints against an organization before donating;
- Research how a charity uses donations;
- Refrain from providing personal or financial information to unsolicited calls or emails on behalf of a charity; and
- Carefully review a charity’s name before making a donation. Scammers may try to trick unwary donors with titles that resemble legitimate organizations.
READ: Hurricane Milton’s Insured Losses Climb To Nearly $2 Billion In Florida
Floridians can report charity scams to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.
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