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SALT LAKE CITY — The Better Business Bureau is warning Utahns about scam fundraising efforts that are often generated when a national or international crisis occurs.
"We are reminding contributors to be on the lookout for questionable solicitors and recommend that they focus giving efforts on charities that already have a presence in the affected areas," said Jane Driggs, CEO of the Better Business Bureau. "We see poorly organized groups with good intent — and some not so good — stepping forward when crises hit."
Some scammers are apparently taking advantage of public sympathy for the current humanitarian crisis affecting the country of Syria.
She advises potential donors to consider through whom and how the donation will make it to the refugees, particularly if the appeal is found on social media — where a simple click can result in falling victim to a scam.
"People in their minds don't think that they shouldn't click," Driggs said. "That's how you get caught in a scam (by) clicking on some unknown email or something on Facebook that was forwarded (numerous) times … and (in reality) it's a scam."
She said people need to be cautious when giving online, especially in response to spam messages and emails that claim to link to a relief organization. The safer choice is to go directly to a charity's website.
"We really want to bring home to people that they need to spend a few minutes to research the charity so that their money actually goes towards the people who really need it," Driggs said.
The bureau recommends donors "rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity." Be cautious when relying on third-party recommendations from bloggers or other websites. The public can visit Give.org to verify if a charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability, she noted.
People in their minds don't think that they shouldn't click. That's how you get caught in a scam (by) clicking on some unknown email or something on Facebook that was forwarded (numerous) times … and (in reality) it's a scam.
–Jane Driggs, CEO of the Better Business Bureau
Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims, she warned. Despite what an organization might claim, charities have fundraising and administrative costs.
Driggs also advised finding out whether the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas. Unless the charity already has staff in the affected areas, it may be difficult to bring in new aid workers to provide assistance quickly, she said.
Also, determine whether the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups.
Some charities may be raising money to pass along to relief organizations, she said. If so, donors may want to consider "avoiding the middleman" and giving directly to organizations that have a presence in the region.
She noted that sometimes, potential donors may feel pressure to contribute right away before they may have a chance to perform their own due diligence on the fundraising group. She said having the patience to verify a charity's legitimacy can prevent a big mistake.
"If you donate tomorrow, a legitimate charity will want your money just as much as if you donated today," Driggs explained. "They won't push you."
- Be wary of giving online, particularly in response to spam messages and emails that claim they link to a relief organization.
- Be cautious when relying n third-party recommendations from bloggers or other websites. It's best to go directly to the source of a charity.
- Rely on expert opinion when evaluating a charity.
- Check Give.org to verify that a charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
- Be wary of institutions that claim 100% donation rates.
- Check and see if a charity has an on-ground presence in an area they're assisting.
- Evaluate whether the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups. It is sometimes best to avoid a middle man.
- Have the patience to evaluate a charity's legitimacy before giving money.
