Natural Disasters Also Spawn Scams

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The widespread damage caused by Hurricane Ike and other recent natural disasters bring out the scamsters.

Many scamsters will use e-mail and fraudulent websites to steal from you. Others will make their appeal over the telephone.

While there are many legitimate charities asking for donations, always check out a charity before making a contribution. Here's what you should do:

• Check out a charity before donating. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance has reports on nationally soliciting charitable organizations.
• If you want to contribute to a charity, contact them directly. By giving directly to them, you know that all of your donation has gone to them.
• Never respond to a unsolicited e-mail, even if it seems to be from a legitimate charity. Scammers sometimes use names that are similar to well-known legitimate charities. After a Disaster: Spam May Scam from the FTC has more information.

The FTC Charity Checklist has tips you should use to make sure your donations provide the most benefit.

Breaking news analysis prepared for Corning CU by Remar Sutton & Associates, September 2008.