New Yorkers donating to help survivors of the Brooklyn apartment building collapse should verify who is collecting the money and how it will reach those affected, Attorney General Letitia James warned Friday.
In a Nov. 13 advisory, James cautioned that fraudulent charities and people falsely claiming ties to relief efforts could exploit donors’ concern. She urged people who encounter suspected scams to report them to her office.
Verify charities and online fundraisers
Before responding to an emailed appeal, donors should identify the sender and independently contact the named charity or visit its website to confirm the request is authentic. The office advised against sending personal information or a credit card number in response to an email before checking the organization.
Social media posts and fundraising platforms also require scrutiny. Platforms may not thoroughly screen organizers, and a recommendation on a website or blog does not establish that a charity has been vetted. James advised donors to research organizers and give only to campaigns run by people they know.
When a campaign uses a charity’s name or logo, donors should confirm that the charity knows about the fundraiser and approved that use. They should also review the platform’s frequently asked questions and terms for fees, and sign up for organizer updates when available to track how contributions are spent.
Most charities soliciting contributions from New Yorkers must register and submit financial reports to the attorney general’s Charities Bureau. Donors can review reports through the office’s website or request them directly from the charity.
Check where the money goes
Donors should ask which organization will receive their money, what services it provides and which people or programs their contribution will support. They should also examine how much of its budget supports its mission. Charities have administrative expenses, but the office urged caution when those costs exceed spending on relief.
New organizations deserve careful review. Many emerge after tragedies with good intentions and may offer new forms of assistance, the office said, but some lack the experience or infrastructure to deliver what they promise. Others may be fraudulent.
Before donating by text, donors should check the charity’s website or call to confirm that it authorized that payment method. James advised against donations in cash, gift cards or wire transfers, recommending checks payable directly to the organization or donations through its website.
The office also urged caution when sharing credit card details or other personal information by phone, text or online. Donors should first establish that they know the organization and that the fundraising campaign is legitimate.
Suspected misrepresentation or charitable fundraising scams can be reported to the Charities Bureau or by email to complaints@ag.ny.gov.
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