BBB warns about phony charity scams after bridge collapse

Tragedies often bring out the best in people as strangers reach out to help others in need. However, disasters also will bring out a flurry of con artists without a conscience, according to the San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB).

The BBB, San Diego’s largest county‑wide business membership organization, is warning consumers about phony charities that are expected to turn-up the volume on scam appeals following the recent bridge collapse in Minneapolis.

“Whether it’s a tsunami, volcano, earthquake, landslide, fire, flood, hurricane or bridge collapse, it’s a sad fact that scamsters will use disasters as opportunities to prey on unsuspecting victims,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, BBB president/CEO. “We encourage consumers to give, but give wisely. Use your heads as well as your heart when making a monetary contribution to a disaster‑relief agency or charity. Don’t feel pressure or intimidation from hard‑sell tactics to give on the spot. Beware of dramatic‑sounding appeals that bring tears to the eyes but tell you nothing about what they’re doing to help with the tsunami disaster. The charity that needs your money today will need it just as much tomorrow.”

The BBB advises consumers to be wary of charities with unfamiliar names or “sound-alikes” with names that sound similar to recognizable emergency‑relief organizations. Also, phone solicitors may seek contributions allegedly on behalf of well-known relief charities without authorization from those organizations. Some of the calls may be cons trying to acquire credit card or other personal information. Ask the caller to send written information before making a donation decision.

Online giving is increasingly popular, but requires donor alertness, the BBB said. Spam or e-mail messages asking for a contribution may be used in a “phishing” scam, where the messages link to a phony website that looks like the website of an established relief charity. This could be another ruse for obtaining credit card or other personal information.

In addition, the BBB recommends consumers ask lots of questions, request printed literature on the charity’s programs and finances and send a check in the mail. Do not give cash on‑the‑spot to a “runner” at your front door. Especially, do not give your credit‑card number or other personal information to a telephone solicitor or in response to an e‑mail solicitation. Be skeptical of any charity that is reluctant to answer questions about their operations, finances and programs.

Before writing a check, consumers are encouraged to contact the non‑profit BBB, which provides the largest free service of its kind to San Diego consumers. For more information, phone (800) 600‑7050.