New York Attorney General Letitia James is urging New Yorkers to be cautious when donating to relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Melissa, which has devastated parts of Jamaica and other Caribbean islands.
James warned that fraudulent organizations often emerge after major disasters to exploit people’s generosity. She encouraged residents to verify that their donations are going to legitimate charities and to report any suspicious solicitations to her office.
“My heart breaks for the victims of Hurricane Melissa, and I thank the brave first responders who have jumped into action to provide aid,” said Attorney General James. “As New Yorkers seek to support relief efforts, I urge them to be careful of sham charities that prey on generosity and make sure they are giving to trustworthy organizations.”
The Attorney General’s Office offered several tips for safe giving, including:
- Verify the source of any email or online solicitation before donating.
- Research social media fundraisers to confirm that the campaign organizer is legitimate and affiliated with a known charity.
- Donate to trusted organizations and review their financial records through the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau website.
- Ask how your donation will be used and ensure that most of the money supports relief efforts, not administrative costs.
- Avoid giving cash and instead donate by check or through a verified website.
- Protect personal information and never give payment details unless you’re sure the charity is legitimate.
New Yorkers who suspect a fraudulent charity or fundraising scam are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau at 212-416-8401 or file a complaint online.
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