California Wildfire Relief Scams

The California wildfires have consumed more than 40,000 acres in Los Angeles County. From a property damage standpoint, the two fires responsible for most of the damage – the Eaton and Palisades fires – both already rank among the most costly in U.S. history, with thousands of homes and hundreds of schools, churches and commercial businesses destroyed in those two fires alone. Then there’s the human toll: At least two dozen people have been killed in the fires.

With all this devastation, and the potential for things to get even worse, you may be wondering what you can do to help. Sending money is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference. But before you donate, you need to make sure your money is actually going to relief and recovery efforts and not a scammer.

“Over and over, we are seeing scams involving charities, where people who want to donate either money or services to the recovery effort are being targeted,” LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said at a news conference last week.

Here’s what you need to do before you give:

• Officials warn that some fraudulent organizations are using names that sound like actual charities and fake celebrity endorsements to lure unwitting donors. That’s why it’s important to research the charity before making a financial donation. If information about the charity is scarce – or if the charity’s website doesn’t offer a clear explanation about how it uses donations or fulfills its mission – that should raise suspicions. If the charity is legitimate, a key question to then ask is what percentage of money is going to helping victims versus how much money is spent on marketing and overhead. Websites that can help with your research include Give.org, GuideStar, Charity Watch and Charity Navigator.
• When using a crowdfunding website, look into how the site verified the fundraiser before donating. If the site doesn’t provide this information or the verification requirements seem inadequate, you might want to think twice about donating to the fundraiser.
• If you are contacted over the phone, ask for written documentation. If the caller refuses to provide it, request to be removed from the caller’s contact list and promptly hang up the phone. Never give in to any high-pressure tactics.

The bottom line: If you want to donate, it’s crucial that you give to an established organization that has the infrastructure to distribute aid where it’s needed and is specific about how the money raised will be used to help victims.

After you’ve done your research, the safest way to donate is by credit card or check, according to the FTC. The agency warns against paying with wire transfers or gift cards.

If you believe that a fake charity has contacted you or if you have been a victim of a charity scam, you can contact your local state attorney general’s office, as well as the FTC, and file a complaint. You can also alert TINA.org here.