Watch Out for Charity Scams After Disasters and Tragedies
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Watch Out for Charity Scams After Disasters and Tragedies

Scammers Exploit Mass Casualty Events—Tips to Avoid Being Deceived

The FBI warns the public about scammers using mass casualty events, like the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans or the Los Angeles wildfires, to commit fraud. These criminals impersonate relief agencies, victims, or celebrities to solicit fake charitable donations, often using AI to seem more credible.

In 2024 alone, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported over 4,500 fraud complaints totaling $96 million in losses tied to bogus charities and disaster relief efforts. Fraudsters target donations via crowdfunding, cryptocurrency, and in-person drives, preying on public goodwill.


Tips to Stay Safe

  1. Research Charities: Check reviews and confirm registration with your state charity regulator or the IRS at irs.gov.
  2. Validate Crowdfunding: Ensure campaigns are legitimate by researching the organizer and verifying beneficiaries.
  3. Beware of Urgent Requests: Scammers often pressure donors to “act fast.” Take time to verify.
  4. Avoid Unknown Contacts: Ignore unsolicited emails or links claiming to be from charities.
  5. Use Secure Payments: Never donate via debit, gift, or prepaid cards.

How to Report Fraud

If you suspect fraud, report it to the FBI’s IC3 at www.ic3.gov. Include details such as names, payment information, and how you were contacted. By staying cautious, you can help prevent scammers from exploiting goodwill during times of crisis.