DATCP: Consumer alert — Watch for donation scams following Hurricane Irene

Contact: Ashley Huibregtse, 608-224-5002, ashley.huibregtse@wisconsin.gov

MADISON – As the United States East Coast recovers from Hurricane Irene, the Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection cautions people who intend to donate to the recovery effort to watch out for donation scams. Unfortunately, scam artists take advantage of these tragedies and prey upon people’s desire to help the victims.

“Don’t let disaster strike twice,” said Sandy Chalmers, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. “Be wary of any e-mail soliciting funds for Hurricane Irene victims.”

Consumer Protection offers these five tips when considering making a charitable donation:

* Do not respond to an unsolicited (SPAM) email or click on links contained within the email. Links may contain viruses.

* Make donations to established, reputable organizations by directly visiting their website rather than following an alleged link to a website found in an email.

* Be cautious when making an online donation. Most legitimate charity websites end in “dot-org” rather than “dot-com.” Also, use sites with a URL address that beings with “https” – the “s” stands for secure.

* Never provide personally identifiable information, such as your Social Security number, credit card number, bank account numbers, to a solicitor.

* Verify the legitimacy of a charity by checking it with the Better Business Bureau (1-800-273-1002) or http://www.give.org. Other helpful resources include http://www.guidestar.org or http://www.charitynavigator.org.

For more consumer information, or to file a consumer complaint, visit the Bureau of Consumer Protection’s website at datcp.wisconsin.gov; via e-mail at datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-422-7128.