GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Better Business Bureau of Michigan with a warning to lookout for scammers seeking to take advantage of those wanting to help the survivors and the victim’s families of the deadly shooting at Michigan State University.
Officials say scammers easily use moments of vulnerability to deceive donors with fictitious fundraisers.
They say in addition, there are often campaigns set up by well-meaning individuals who may not be able to deliver on promised relief.
BBB Wise Giving Alliance and BBB in Western Michigan urge donors to give thoughtfully and avoid those seeking to take advantage of the generosity of others.
Tips for thoughtful giving:
- Research first: Visit Give.org to verify if a national charity meets the BBB Standards for Charitable Accountability. Find out how the organization plans to address either immediate or long-term needs. The first request for a donation may not be the best choice.
- Crowdfunding: Keep in mind that some crowdfunding sites take precautions in carefully screening, vetting, and managing postings, like GoFundMe (a BBB Accredited Business), while others might not. Review the site to find out about posting procedures, transaction fees and other specifics. It is always safest to contribute to individuals that you personally know. Review how GoFundMe’s crisis response team monitors fundraisers here.
- Are photos used with permission? Organizations or crowdfunding postings raising funds should get permission from the families to use either the names and/or any photographs of victims of the disaster or tragedy. Don’t assume there is an official connection if photos are displayed.
- How will donations be used? Watch out for vague appeals that don’t identify the intended use of funds. Ask how the donations will help victims’ families.
- Newly-created v. established organizations: An established charity will more likely have the capacity and experience to address the situation quickly and a track record that can be evaluated. A newly-formed organization may be well-meaning but difficult to check out and may not be well-managed.
- Online caution: Never click on links to unfamiliar charity websites or in text messages or emails. These may take you to a look-alike website where you will be asked to provide personal financial information or may download harmful malware onto your computer. Don’t assume that charity recommendations on social media have already been vetted.
- Government registration: Most charities soliciting contributions in Michigan are required to register with the Charitable Trust Section through the Attorney General’s office before they solicit charitable gifts. If an organization claims to be a charity and isn’t registered, that’s a red flag. While registration with the Attorney General’s office does not mean the government is recommending or endorsing the charity, it does signify that the group has filed the appropriate required paperwork.
- Advocacy organizations: Tragedies involving violent acts with firearms can also generate requests from various advocacy organizations that address gun use. Donors can support these efforts as well, but note that some of these advocacy groups are not tax-exempt as charities. Also, watch out for newly-created advocacy groups that will be difficult to check out.
- Tax deductibility: Contributions that are donor-restricted to help a specific individual/family are not deductible in the U.S. as charitable donations, even if the recipient organization is a charity. See IRS Publication 526, page 7, for more information.
Learn more about how to donate after a tragedy here.
Report any scam sites, suspicious messages or imposter fundraisers to bbb.org/scamtracker
