Be careful while donating, officials warn
By Sharon Makokian
Acorn Staff Writer

While our hearts go out to those victimized by the tragedies that occurred last week, we must also be wary of phony fundraisers, officials cautioned recently.

State Attorney General Bill Lockyer warned Californians to be on the alert for crooks and thieves who might prey on their compassion and charity in the wake of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

"While we all want to do what we can to help, there is the unfortunate reality that scam artists may by standing by to profit from this national disaster," Lockyer said. "Consumers should review charity solicitations closely to be sure that their donations will really get to victims and help in the heroic rescue efforts."

Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo’s office also warned that caution should be taken when making donations to street collectors.

"By law, charitable groups should have legal status cards with IRS information, issued by the Los Angeles Police Division," said Mary McGuire, a spokeswoman for the city attorney.

If young children are trying collect through their schools or clubs and you want to make a donation, a safe bet might be to ask them exactly what organization the money will be going to, and writing a check expressly to that group or organization.

So far, no fraudulent fundraising activities have been reported in the Calabasas area, said Dep. J. Villalobos of the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station.

Personal requests for money aren’t the only you can get scammed.

In today’s computerized society, it can be done right over the Internet.

Watchdog groups have reported that con artists are concocting online fraud to profit from last week’s gruesome attacks.

The groups report that most online scams come in the form of unsolicited e-mail, or spam, and postings in community forums soliciting donations for victims and survivors of the attacks.

A typical message claims to be part of an "Express Relief Fund" or "Victims Survivor Fund."

Another widespread e-mail seeks donationations for the Red Cross, but wasn’t linked to that organization. Red Cross never solicits directly over the Internet, officials said.

Red Cross representative Robert Martinez of the California office said the best way to donate to his organization is to use its 1 (800) HELP-NOW phone line, and to be wary of individuals collecting for the organization, who may or may not be legitimate. He also noted that people who wanted to reach the Manhattan office directly should call (212) 787-1000.

The Red Cross does have a bona fide Website at www.Redcross.org. Other legitimate donation sites include www.Unitedway.org and www.Helping.org.

Would-be online donors are cautioned to verify the solicitor’s identity through another medium, such as the telephone, before donating money through credit cards or sending checks.