Attorney General Letitia James is urging New Yorkers to be cautious when donating to wildfire relief efforts following devastating blazes in the Los Angeles area. Her office warned that fraudulent charities often exploit natural disasters, taking advantage of people’s generosity for personal gain.
“In times of disaster, scams can thrive,” James said. “I encourage New Yorkers to carefully verify organizations before donating and ensure their contributions truly help those in need.”
James shared several tips to avoid scams, including verifying the legitimacy of charities through trusted resources, such as the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Charities Bureau or other reputable platforms. Donors are advised to confirm the authenticity of email or social media solicitations and to be cautious about providing personal or financial information.
She also highlighted the importance of donating directly to established organizations rather than newly formed groups, which may lack the experience or infrastructure to deliver promised aid. Avoiding cash donations and exercising caution with text-based contributions were also recommended.
James encouraged donors to inquire about how their contributions will be used and to report any suspicious organizations to her office at 212-416-8401 or through the OAG’s Charities Bureau website.
The Attorney General emphasized that these measures aim to ensure donations support legitimate causes and aid wildfire victims effectively.
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