The rise of charity scams exploiting Americans who want to donate to help Turkey and Syria after a devastating earthquake is a concerning issue that requires attention and caution. In the aftermath of a disaster, scammers often take advantage of people's generosity and kindness by creating fake charities and exploiting their compassion for personal gain. With the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, it's important for Americans to be aware of these scams and understand how to protect themselves from becoming victims.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), disaster-related scams are among the most common types of charity scams. These scams often take the form of fake websites, telemarketing calls, or door-to-door solicitations. The scammers may pose as victims or as representatives of legitimate charities and ask for money to be sent directly to them or to a specific bank account.
The FTC warns that once you make a donation, it's unlikely you'll be able to recover the money if you find out later that it was a scam. This is why it's crucial to do your research and only donate to legitimate charities.
Top 5 Tips
Here are some tips from the FTC to help you avoid charity scams and ensure that your donation reaches the people who need it:
Research the charity: Before making a donation, research the charity online and look for reviews, complaints, or scams associated with it. Check charity watchdog groups for their evaluation of the organization. Just because a charity has a recognizable name or professional presentation does not guarantee its authenticity. "Don't assume that familiar names or social media posts are legitimate. Instead, donate to charities you trust with a proven track record of handling disasters," warns Gema de las Heras, a Consumer Education Specialist at the FTC.
Ask for information: If someone contacts you to solicit a donation, they should be able to answer how much of your donation will go to the program you want to support and provide other important information, such as if the donation is tax-deductible, the charity's exact name, website address, and mailing address.
Avoid paying with cash or gift cards: The FTC warns against making donations in cash or by gift card or cryptocurrency. Once you do, it's unlikely you'll be able to recover the money if it was a scam.
Consider fees and timing: When donating through an online platform or social media, make sure your donation will go directly to the charity and, if not, find out how long it will take and if there are any fees to be paid.
Don't be rushed into making an immediate donation: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency, but the process of getting your donation to the people who need it takes time. Before making a donation, research the charity online and look for reviews, complaints, or scams associated with it.
Valid charity options
To ensure donations reach the charities that can help the Turkey/Syria situation most effectively, CharityWatch has identified organizations that allocate at least 75% of their cash budgets to programs, maintain fundraising efficiency of $25 or less per $100 in cash donations, and meet CharityWatch's standards for governance and transparency. The list can be found here. CharityNavigator has also created its own list, which can be found here.
The Take Away
In conclusion, charity scams are a significant issue, especially in the aftermath of a disaster. Americans who want to donate to help Turkey and Syria after the recent earthquakes should take the necessary precautions to ensure their money reaches the people who need it. By researching the charity, asking for information, avoiding certain payment methods, considering fees and timing, and not being rushed into making an immediate donation, Americans can make a difference in the lives of those affected by the earthquakes
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