Beware: Haitian charity scams. How do they do it so fast?

[eliza61]

Just a FYI. I know a lot of folks may be trying to help the poor victims in Haiti but as usual, the greedy, rip off artist are out quicker than an aftershock.

I just saw a story on my local morning show from the consumer reporter about con artists setting up on line charities with no intention of helping the victims. I'll try to link it when they get it on their website.

Just remember to go with a reputable agency if you choose to help on line. (Red cross, Cnn etc)

How the heck (not my first choice of words) do these parasites set up shop so quick? Wouldn't it be easier to get a legitimate job?

 

[snapppyd]

ABC has links on their website to legitimate charities. I think you are safe with the old standby like Red Cross, etc. I donated to Save the Children.

It should go without saying that you never respond to emails asking for money.

I agree, there should be a special place in "heck" for people trying to make money off a tragedy like this.

 

[OceanAnnie]

That is just beyond disturbing and sad. There are so many people dying, hurt, and without resources. For someone to take from them is sick. I'm glad you posted the information.

 

[Kae]

Also check with your church or one in your area a lot of them already have systems set up down there or work with Missions that go there. And will be donating soon.

Kae

 

[wdwmom2]

That is just beyond disturbing and sad. There are so many people dying, hurt, and without resources. For someone to take from them is sick. I'm glad you posted the information.

ITA. How can people sleep at night doing this???? It is heartbreaking to see the pics of the beautiful people of Hiati in this condition

 

[Missy1961]

Just unbelievable.

 

[Ember]

It's because there are some very, very bad people out there. It's like the child sex slave trade. How is it possible that there are enough people out there who enjoy raping children to even have a child sex slave trade?!?!!

Anyway, I second the caution to ensure you are donating to a legitimate charity. If there is a possible way to profit from human suffering, some idiot out there will do it. It makes my heart hurt.

 

[Missy1961]

Here's MSNBC's page about where to donate:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34835478/ns/world_news-haiti_earthquake/

 

[stacy347]

If there is a possible way to profit from human suffering, some idiot out there will do it. It makes my heart hurt.

Sad, but true.

Luckily there are plenty of reputable organizations sending teams and supplies over ~ most of the local news stations have links to who will be taking donations. I just hope it gets there quickly ~ it is unbelievably heartbreaking to watch.

My DD16 was so upset this morning watching with me because there was footage of a baby that had obviously not survived. She said, "Mom, how can they show that on TV?". I just told her that is the reality of what they are dealing with right now. Imagine having to be the one to pick that baby up.

 

[SundaeAfternoon]

I donated to World Vision. They are okay as well and have a special fund set up just for the Haiti earthquake.

 

[Darsa]

I had a small bit to donate, and split it between Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. I hope it helps, wish I could have done more.

 

[Heidict]

Why am I not surprised that the theives have shown up so quickly. It's disgusting. I just wish people would research before they donated if it's not to a well known orginizaton.

I donated to Yele Haiti which is Wyclef Jean's foundation and has been around and doing good for a few years now. Also to Global Giving.

 

[Heidict]

I had a small bit to donate, and split it between Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. I hope it helps, wish I could have done more.

I know, I feel the same. Wish I had more to give.

 

[stacy347]

Also, if anyone is a MyPoints member, you can make a Red Cross donation with as little as 500 points.

 

[kaytieeldr]

How the heck (not my first choice of words) do these parasites set up shop so quick? Wouldn't it be easier to get a legitimate job?

Ah, they've already got the scam planned, and just adapt it to the situation. Stinks.

 

[java]

Due to relationships with corporations AMERICARES is able to turn a $1 donation into $35 of aid. Operating at a 99% of funds directly to charity ratio it is one that we always turn to when donating.
It's those text XXXXX to whatever that are alarming to me. How much $$ is the phone company getting out of whatever $ is raised?

 

[Heidict]

Due to relationships with corporations AMERICARES is able to turn a $1 donation into $35 of aid. Operating at a 99% of funds directly to charity ratio it is one that we always turn to when donating.
It's those text XXXXX to whatever that are alarming to me. How much $$ is the phone company getting out of whatever $ is raised?

That is a good thing to know about Americares, I wasn't aware of that. I will look into donating to them when I am able to do so again.

The only text to donate organizations that I know of are with Yele and Red Cross and in Canada the Salvation Army. 100% of the money is going to the relief efforts. If you have free texting then it should not cost you anything to do it, however, if you have to pay for a text, then that should be all the money that the phone company gets off of it.

The money, technically, doesn't go to the phone company. My understanding of it is that you get billed on your phone bill and once that is paid, then the money will go to the organization, however, in this instance they are waiving that wait period and have agreed to foward all money pledged, immediatly to the orginization.