HARRISBURG — Attorney General Tom Corbett urged consumers to be watchful for possible financial scams and questionable charitable pleas linked to this week’s massive earthquake in Haiti.
“Natural disasters are often a magnet for scam artists and con-men, hoping to take advantage of well-meaning people who simply want to help victims,” Corbett said. “It is important to help people in-need, but consumers should also be watchful for scams and report any suspicious activity.”
Corbett said that one of the most common topics for consumer complaints in these situations is fraudulent disaster-related fundraising efforts.
“A few minutes spent researching various relief organizations can help you avoid scams and also make certain that your charitable contribution will actually be helping the victims of the Haitian earthquake, or other catastrophic events,” Corbett said. “Also, be watchful for look-alike or sound-alike organizations or websites created by scam artists who are hoping to fool unsuspecting consumers.”
Corbett urged consumers to review the following tips if they are considering making a contribution to a disaster-relief agency or other charitable organization:
· Be wary of high-pressure tactics and door-to-door collections.
· If you are making a contribution electronically, be certain that you are using a secure Internet site.
· Be cautious of “SPAM” email messages that ask you to click on links, open files or download photos (these could contain computer viruses).
· Be skeptical of email messages or posts on social networking sites from people claiming to be foreign officials or surviving victims asking for electronic donations.
· Ask for details about any charity before you make a donation (legitimate charities will always explain their programs and services).
· Check to see if a charity is registered in PA before making a contribution (charity registration info is available on the PA Department of State Web site).
· Ask for information about how funds will be spent (legitimate charities will tell you what percentage of your gift will go toward community services, operating expenses or fundraising).
· Write checks directly to the charity, rather than giving cash.
· Be watchful for fictitious organizations or Web sites created by scam artists that are designed to sound or look similar to legitimate relief agencies.
Consumers with questions or problems related to disaster-related fundraising scams can contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555 or file an online complaint.