As the wildfires continue to burn in southern California, multiple agencies are asking for help in donations. However, they're also warning people of scammers.
The Better Business Bureau says scam sites posing to be to different types of relief funds are unfortunately becoming a lot more popular as wildfires break out. They tell us they're doing everything they can to prevent people from falling victim to these scammers.
Melanie Fox, director of communications for BBB West, says, "We have a resource—it's completely free for anyone to use—called BBB Scam Tracker. People can go online, file a report if they believe they've been a victim of a scam, a potential victim of a scam, if they've been targeted."
Once they receive enough reports, Fox says they'll send out a release warning people to avoid that scam site. The BBB says before donating always make sure the charity is trustworthy. Check for specific fire relief activities in appeals.
Don't ever click on any email, text, or social media links. Instead go directly to the charity's website. You should also find out if the site is a BBB Accredited Charity such as Global Giving, Salvation Army, Direct Relief, and American Red Cross.
American Red Cross says they're putting a lot of effort into providing food and shelter for people impacted by the fires and in need of as much donations as they can get for financial assistance.
Rachel Flanigan, executive director of American Red Cross of Nevada, says, "That money goes towards going to a lot of that sheltering opportunities, so we utilize resources that are in California so that we're still stimulating the economy in those areas. We are also using those funds to directly support those families, so we do immediate financial assistance."
If you would like to donate to help fire relief efforts and learn more about avoiding scams you can click here.
