In Wake of Sandy, Use Caution When Donating to Emergency Relief Funds

Are you considering dipping into your savings to help those areas affected by Hurricane Sandy? Use caution when doing so.

Approximately 4,000 fraudulent charity websites were tracked after Hurricane Katrina, according to the FBI.

The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs previously offered tips on how to safely donate to a charity:

• Know your charity. Do not give to a charity that you know nothing about. Do some research and ask questions.
• Don’t be fooled by a convincing name. Sometimes dishonest charities have impressive names or one that names a legitimate concern.
• If someone is soliciting at your door, demand identification for the person and the charity. If they hesitate or you are unsatisfied by their response, be suspicious.
• Beware of telephone solicitations. Don’t feel pressured to give on the first call. Ask them for information before committing.
• Don’t fall for the tearjerker. Be wary and ask for more information.
• Don’t give on impulse or succumb to pressure. Do not be pressured into giving on the spot or at all. Legitimate organizations will not expect you to give immediately.
• Check out mail solicitations. Some mail solicitations are accompanied by an item that you are told you can keep if you contribute. Federal law says that unless you asked for the item, you can keep it without making a contribution.

It is recommended to only donate to reputable organizations such as those listed below. Click on the links for more information or to donate.

1. American Red Cross- emergency response organization providing medical care and relief assistance.
2. Samaritan’s Purse- a Christian humanitarian organization donating supplies including blankets, shelter materials, hygiene items, and other aid.
3. World Vision- a Christian humanitarian organization donating items such as blankets, and sanitary and hygiene supplies.
4. The International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies- emergency response organization providing medical care and relief assistance.
5. The Salvation Army- a Christian mission organization providing meals, bottles of water, biscuits, blankets, diapers and tissue boxes.
6. AmeriCares- a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization providing medical aid, distributing hygiene items, and building a relief convoy.
7. Save the Children- an independent organization that opened the first child-friendly space in Japan.
8. GlobalGiving- an online organization that connects you to causes and countries that you care about. This group supports organizations that are providing relief and aid to Japan.
9. International Medical Corps- a first responder to natural disasters providing psychological support, food, water and chronic medicines at shelters, and deploying medical teams.
10. InterAction- an alliance of U.S. based international nongovernmental organizations sending response teams to Japan.
11. Shelter Box- a disaster relief organization providing emergency shelters to those who were displaced.
12. Mercy Corps- a nonprofit organization delivering emergency supplies including large shelters, tents, blankets, instant rice and fresh produce.