Please beware of fraudulent Haiti charities: tips on how to stay vigilant

Hi everyone,

In times of disaster, it is unfortunate that people with criminal agendas come out in full force to prey on the vulnerabilities of those who just want to help. It is honourable to donate food, clothing, medical supplies and money to a charitable cause, but you must beware of fraudsters and the numerous tactics they use to tug at your heart strings and take your money.

As you know, Haiti is suffering from the catastrophic effects of an earthquake that leveled their capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas. Although many people, charities and nations have risen to help the Haitian people in their time of great need, so too have criminals — except they only want to help themselves.

Before giving any of your money to a charitable cause, be it for Haiti or any other issue, please consider these tips offered by the American Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police:

• Beware of appeals that evoke sympathy.
• Ask for I.D. if a solicitor is asking for donations in person. They should have a registered tax number of the charity if they are legitimate.
• Research the charity online or call them to inquire about any solicitors.
• Watch out for fraudulent charities with names that sound similar to legitimate charities.
• Avoid giving cash gifts to a charity.
• Do not respond to unsolicited incoming emails and social networking messages.
• Do not open any attachments in email, even if they are photos of a disaster. They may contain viruses which can compromise your security.
• Do not give your personal details to anyone who solicits donations as you could be targeted for identity theft.

In a nutshell, do your due diligence and always think critically about any solicitations, especially when a disaster, such as the Haiti earthquake, has taken place.

Please read more here:

Haitian Earthquake Relief Fraud Alert

National Center for Disaster Fraud to Coordinate Haitian Fraud Complaints

Watch our for Haiti charity scams (RCMP press release)

Information on Identity Theft:

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

United States Department of Justice

We urge people, members and non-members alike, to give what they can to the Haitian cause, but please give only to registered, legitimate and well-known charities. Take care!