Avoid Scammers When You’re Giving Back After A Tragedy

When a tragedy happens, it’s almost as if the entire world comes together in order to lend its support. Some individuals choose to send a check to an organization working to support the affected area, while others actually donate of their time and services.

Tragedies already leave so many people vulnerable, but it is not just the victims of the tragedy that suffer. Every time a tragedy happens, there are scam artists who wait to take advantage of the people who are trying to give back.

Here is what you can do to keep your money out of the hands of scammers so that it ends up in the hands of the organizations that are truly making a difference:

Be skeptical of assertive telemarketers.

If a pushy telemarketer gets in contact with you, ask them questions about their organization and what they do with the money they receive from donors. If they struggle to answer your questions or you are skeptical of their answers, don’t feel bad turning them away to support another organization.

Pay attention to websites URLs.

Scam artists can rebuild a website to look exactly like an authentic one. When you are searching Google or clicking on hyperlinks, make sure to pay attention to every URL to ensure you are donating to the right organization via their authentic website.

Never give out your personal information.

If you are unfamiliar with an organization, don’t give out your credit card information until you are positive it is not an imposter website or telemarketer. Also, you should never have to give out your social security number in response to a solicitation.

Originally published at arthurbogoraz.net.