From the Better
Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Central and South Alabama is urging consumers to be cautious when donating to relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. In times of crisis, scammers often create fraudulent charity campaigns to exploit the generosity of people eager to help. To ensure donations reach legitimate organizations, the BBB is providing a list of trusted places to donate safely.
How the Scam Works:
After a disaster, scammers often set up fake donation websites, social media campaigns, and crowdfunding pages that appear to support relief efforts. These fraudulent campaigns use emotional appeals to urge people to donate immediately. Scammers may even impersonate well-known charities or pose as individuals seeking help through crowdfunding platforms.
BBB Tips for Safe Giving:
1. Verify the Charity – Always check out a charity before donating. Use trusted sites like BBB Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org), Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org), or FEMA’s Volunteer and Donate page (fema.gov).
2. Donate Directly – Avoid unsolicited donation requests on social media or email. Visit the charity’s official website to make your contribution.
3. Use Credit Cards – Credit cards offer added protection against fraud. Avoid sending cash or using payment apps like Venmo or CashApp for donations.
Where to Donate Safely:
Here are some trusted national organizations and state-specific Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs) where you can donate safely:
National Organizations:
● American Red Cross – Provides disaster relief and emergency assistance across the country. Visit www.redcross.org to donate.
● Salvation Army – Supports those affected by disasters. Visit www.give.helpsalvationarmy.org.
● United Way – Helps communities with disaster relief. Visit www.support.unitedway.org.
● GoFundMe – A BBB Accredited Business that monitors fundraisers for individuals and organizations during disasters. Visit www.gofundme.org.
● America Cares – Delivers medical and disaster relief to people in need. Visit www.americares.org.
● Samaritan’s Purse – Provides spiritual and physical aid to victims of disaster. Visit www.samaritanspurse.org.
State-Specific Organizations:
● Florida:
○ Florida Disaster Fund – Provides assistance to Florida communities. Visit www.volunteerflorida.org.
● North Carolina:
○ North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund – Administered by the United Way of North Carolina. Visit www.unitedwaync.org.
● South Carolina:
○ One SC Fund – Supports disaster relief efforts in South Carolina. Visit www.onescfund.org.
○ Feeding the Carolinas – Provides food assistance in disaster-affected areas. Visit www.feedingthecarolinas.org.
● Tennessee:
○ East Tennessee Foundation – Helps with disaster recovery in Tennessee. Visit www.easttennesseefoundation.org.
If you suspect a charity scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker and notify your local authorities.
For more information on how to donate safely and avoid charity scams, visit BBB.org or contact Carl Bates, CEO of BBB Central and South Alabama, at [email protected]. For inquiries in the Mobile, Baldwin, or Montgomery areas, contact Monde Donaldson, Vice President of BBB Education Foundation, at [email protected].
Relief Donations: Trusted Organizations
National Organizations:
● American Red Cross
Provides disaster relief and emergency assistance across the country.
Website: www.redcross.org
● Salvation Army
Supports those affected by disasters, offering shelter, food, and more.
Website: www.give.helpsalvationarmy.org
● United Way
Focuses on community disaster relief efforts and support services.
Website: www.support.unitedway.org
● GoFundMe
A platform for verified fundraising efforts supporting individuals and organizations affected by disasters.
Website: www.gofundme.org
● Americares
Delivers medical and disaster relief to communities in need worldwide.
Website: www.americares.org
● Samaritan’s Purse
Provides both spiritual and physical aid to victims of natural disasters.
Website: www.samaritanspurse.org
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State-Specific Organizations:
● Florida:
Florida Disaster Fund
Provides support to Florida communities affected by disasters.
Website: www.volunteerflorida.org
● North Carolina:
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
Administered by United Way of North Carolina, assisting in disaster recovery efforts.
Website: www.unitedwaync.org
● South Carolina:
One SC Fund
Supports state-wide disaster relief and recovery efforts.
Website: www.onescfund.org
Feeding the Carolinas
Provides food assistance and disaster relief throughout the Carolinas.
Website: www.feedingthecarolinas.org
● Tennessee:
East Tennessee Foundation
Focuses on disaster recovery and relief within Tennessee communities.
Website: www.easttennesseefoundation.org
