Wildfire Scams: Who They’re Targeting and How to Spot Them
In any situation where emotions are running high and money is changing hands, you’re likely to find scammers on the loose. Sadly, among the damage caused Southern California wildfiresscams soon started popping up.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta warns of growing problem of scams targeting people looking to donate to wildfire relief efforts at a press conference on saturday. The state’s Better Business Bureau also weighed in, offering advice on how to protect against possible scams.
“We have people with big hearts who want to help, they want to donate, they want to support victims,” ​​Bonta said. “We also see scammers taking advantage of that kindness and generosity to defraud these people.”
Wildfires have been raging near Los Angeles since January 7, including the Eaton Fire and the Pacific Palisades Fire, two of the largest and most destructive fires. To date, more than 200,000 people have been evacuated, more than 12,000 buildings are believed to have been destroyed, and damage is estimated at more than $250 billion. with level Aid and financial help Now, it’s flooding into the area, creating an ideal environment for scammers to thrive.
Read on to learn all the details you need to protect yourself from these scams. For more wildfire coverage, Learn how victims can avoid illegal rent spikes and find out How to respond to water warnings caused by fires.
What kind of scam is taking advantage of Los Angeles wildfire victims?
Bonta mentioned at the news conference that scams target people trying to donate money or supplies to wildfire victims, setting up fake organizations to defraud good Samaritans — often to defraud people with names that sound like Official people.
Who are the most common targets of these scammers?
Bonta said the scams particularly target the elderly, immigrants and non-English speakers. Collectively, these three types of people are often targeted by scams. But anyone can be scammed if they don’t pay close attention.
What are the main signs of a scam?
Likewise, signs to watch out for are common to all types of scams. Liar, California BBB explains to local store KTLAoften employing “high-pressure” sales tactics that force people to act quickly and recklessly, which can lead to poor decisions. Keep an eye out for any potential charities that seem to want you to donate as soon as possible.
Scammers are also more likely to ask for cash or any other type of payment, making it difficult or impossible for you to track the transaction. Whenever possible, you should only donate through secure platforms and credit cards so that payments can be traced in the event of fraud.
Are GoFundMe wildfire charities safe from scams?
GoFundMe said it has stepped up efforts to prevent scams on its site. The popular fundraising platform is working to verify all wildfire-related pages and has collected all verified pages on a special page. The company also expressed its gratitude to some well-known organizations where people can donate to without fear of being scammed if they want to help wildfire relief efforts, including World Central Kitchen, Pasadena Humane and Baby2Baby.
How to verify if a charity is real?
When it comes to wildfire rescue scams, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonald recommends using online tools Like Charity Navigator or California BBB website Check with the charity you are considering donating to. Another solid option is IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search Tool.
To learn more, please learn How apps are helping people track wildfire conditions.
