By: Richard L. Smith
As recovery efforts ramp up in the southeastern United States following the devastation from hurricanes Helene and Milton, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs urge residents to be cautious of fraudulent charities preying on people to help.
According to a statement released by the Attorney General's Office, consumers are advised to "Investigate Before You Donate" to avoid falling victim to scams designed to exploit the goodwill of those seeking to contribute to disaster relief efforts.
"The disruption caused by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton is devastating, and many want to help by donating," said Attorney General Platkin. However, scammers see this as an opportunity to exploit our kindness. We urge New Jerseyans to be cautious and avoid falling for charity scams that can divert much-needed funds away from actual victims."
Acting "Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, Cari Fais, echoed this warning, advising New Jerseyans to be vigilant and only contribute to reputable organizations.
"Before donating money or items, it's recruiting to verify that your donation will actually aid those in need," said Fais.
To help residents make informed decisions, the Division of Consumer Affairs provided several tips to ensure donations reach legitimate charities:
- Donate to charities you know and trust. If considering a new organization, thoroughly research its mission and use of funds.
- Confirm a charity's status through the 'Division for a Charity' page or by calling the Charities Hotline at 973-504-6215.
- Check how much of your donation will go directly to charitable programs versus fundraising or administrative costs.
- Be cautious of charities with names similar to those of established organizations, and avoid high-pressure solicitations.
Verify unsolicited emails before providing personal or financial information to prevent becoming a victim of phishing scams.
New Jersey residents can visit the Division of Consumer Affairs website for more information or to report suspected fraud.
This reminder comes as many are eager to support hurricane recovery, but it's crucial to ensure contributions help those in need, not fraudsters.