Americans are generous to a fault. Something not lost on those who prey upon kind-hearted people in times of disaster. The news had barely broken last week of the catastrophic events in Japan when on-line disaster relief efforts began.
Some are legit. Sadly, many are not. I came across a new term today called "Clickjacking." Pretty sneaky stuff. Crooks create faux relief agencies, often hijacking, make that clickjacking the good names of reputable relief groups.
Add some video lifted off of Internet news sites and the scam is on.
The message is clear. Beware of e-mails, social media pleas and the like asking for your money. Better to go direct to the agency you'd like to give to. Many national and local news outlets are providing lists of places where your donation will actually help victims instead of crooks.
Want to double check? I recommend going to CharityNavigator. They rate the efficiency of how charitable agencies use the money you give. I don't know about you, but I prefer my money going to people who need it, and not bureaucrats or worse yet, crooks who prey on our generosity then disappear into the digital night.
Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you"
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