The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs is warning residents to be aware of phony charities that may seek donations during hurricane season after severe weather has caused damage to an area and charities are collecting money to help those who have been affected.
The division is urging consumers to “investigate before you donate” and to avoid fraudulent charitable solicitations, according to a press release.
“New Jersey residents are always willing to help out their neighbors when tragedy strikes, often by making donations to aid with recovery,” Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino said. “Sadly, there are always those scammers who look to take advantage of disaster for their own benefit.”
To help consumers discern which charities are legitimate and to protect against scammers, the division offers the following tips:
- Give to charities you know and trust. If a charity is new, that does not necessarily mean you should not donate, but learn as much as possible before you decide to entrust the organization with your money.
- Learn about the charity’s stated mission and find out how exactly it plans to use your money. Ask for literature and read it. Honest charities encourage you to ask questions. Contact Consumer Affairs’ Charities Hotline at 973-504-6215 to learn about specific charities.
- Don’t be fooled by a convincing name or professional-looking website.
- Don’t let yourself be pressured into giving and don’t feel you have to contribute on the spot.
- Beware of unsolicited and phony email notices that claim to be from a charity asking for credit card information. If the charity is unfamiliar, check whether the group is registered with Consumer Affairs’ Charities Registration Section. If the organization is registered or you know the organization, call directly to find out if the email notice is valid.
- Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by credit card, or write a check directly to the charity.
- Do not make checks payable to individuals; make checks payable only to those organizations which you found listed as active in the Division database.
- Social media sites can also perpetuate scams. Do not blindly give through these mediums. As with any charity, investigate the groups behind such pleas to ensure they come from a legitimate organization.