ORLANDO, Fla. — The devastating LA wildfires have burned down thousands of homes and structures, with a death toll of at least 10 people.
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Many people, including Floridians, are eager to help those in need in the affected areas, but the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging everyone to exercise caution when donating to an organization or GoFundMe to ensure the money is truly going to help those in need.
Holly Salmons of the BBB of Central Florida has advice toavoid scams for those in the state of Florida who want to donate.
“Floridians know very well the devastation that can come from a natural disaster. And so as the images and the videos are coming to us, our hearts go out to them. And we know that donors are going to be looking for ways to support the relief effort. It is important, though, that before you get your wallet out or before you consider giving online that you do your homework.”
Read: California wildfires: How you can help
Ways to make sure you’re donating to legit organizations include:
- Throughoughly researching the organization
- Make sure you know how your money will help those impacted
Read: Osceola County man beat to death with fire extinguisher in Kissimmee hotel
- Be cautious of high-pressure tactics or unusual payment methods
- Never donate to a charity that contacts you unexpectedly and asks for immediate action without providing clear information about their cause
“If you’re considering giving, to a charity online in particular, whether it be, you know, in California or the state of Florida or really anywhere in between, visiting give.org is a great way to understand not only what should you as a donor be looking for when it comes to charity responsibly, and running a charity, with respect to donor dollars, but also checking the names of the organizations that you may be considering giving money to,” said Salmons.
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