Within 48 hours of the disaster, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began investigating various charitable scams. Unfortunately, the Internet is a primary tool of criminals, but common sense and caution can go a long way in preventing scam artists from taking advantage.
Initiate Giving and Avoid Random Solicitations
Solicitations can come in many forms: e-mail, texting, telephone, regular mail, and in person. Internet links may be the biggest problem with respect to disaster scams. The FBI makes recommendations on its website. The first suggestion is to avoid unsolicited e-mails, "including clicking links contained within those messages." Sound advice for all. They also warn of persons pretending to be survivors or officials requesting donations; e-mail photos claiming to be of the disaster area (they could contain viruses), and they also remind readers not to give personal or financial information to unsolicited contributors.
When in doubt, don't give it out. Those links can seem like a faster and easier process, but click on the wrong one and "fast and easy" can translate into regret. The best bet? Initiate giving and avoid individual requests that raise any doubt. The disaster and the need should be self-evident.
Reputable Charities for the Haiti Crisis
Organizations that have been around for many years with a good overall record are safe choices. Some examples are:
- Church World Service
- Doctors Without Borders
- International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (or any of their subsidiaries)
- International Medical Corps
- The Salvation Army (Provides two options for giving)
- Save the Children
- UNICEF
The Google search engine leads directly to those sites. There are of course other reputable charities, most with their own websites.
Allan Lengel, writing for Sphere.com, mentions the National Center for Disaster Fraud, based in Baton Rouge, LA. It was established after Hurricane Katrina. The huge incidence of fraud following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the devastation in New Orleans led to the development of this 20+ agency center. Lengel gives the hotline number for persons suspecting fraud: (866) 720-5721.
Common Sense Response to the Haiti Earthquake
The best “abilities” that can be brought to this crisis are probably sensibility and stability: sensibility in that the use of common sense is perhaps the best use of time, and stability with regard to demonstrating stable emotional and psychological process during this protracted time of instability. How can people best exude calm and clear thinking for the sake of those who cannot due to terrible circumstances?
Giving based on one’s own initiative, employing common sense when making donations, and projecting calm emotional stability are maybe the most effective forms of aid that can be rendered after this and other disasters.
Sources:
Federal Bureau of Investigation Official Website
Lengel, Allan, contributor, Sphere.com. FBI Warning Follows String of Disaster Scams. January 15, 2010.
Bryan Jackson - Bryan D. Jackson Bryan Jackson is a North Carolina native. His writing and research interests include middle grade and young adult ...
