Attorney General Raoul urges Illinois residents who plan on donating to Hurricane Helene and Milton's efforts to be wary of fundraising scams.
Donors should determine if a charity provides direct aid or raises money for another group. In this case, they should avoid the middleman and give directly to organizations. Be wary of requests for donations like food or clothing unless the organization has staff to distribute the aid. Otherwise, the donations may be more of a burden than a help.
Any charity recommendations on social media should be researched, as they may not be legitimate. Ask how much of a donation goes directly to the cause and how much will be used to pay fundraising costs, as solicitors must give this information if you ask.
Some fake charities may use names that look or sound like those of real organizations to mislead donors, so pay close attention to the charity’s name. Be cautious when giving online, especially through spam email solicitations. When giving pay by check, credit card, or any format of pay with a record. Avoid paying in cash or with apps like Venmo or Zelle.
Only donate when you're certain your money will be used according to your wishes. Do not donate if the solicitor uses high-pressure tactics, asks for cash payment, or wants to send someone to pick up your donation.
