Haiti Relief Organizations: FBI Warns Americans to be Careful in Wake of Earthquake Tragedy

By: Neil Katz
Topics: Daily Blotter

(AP/Matt Marek/American Red Cross)

NEW YORK (CBS) The FBI is cautioning Americans who want to donate to Haiti relief funds to be careful. If past tragedies are any indication, not all of them are legitimate.

On Wednesday, the FBI issued this press release.

Haitian Earthquake Relief Fraud Alert

Washington, D.C. – The FBI today reminds Internet users who receive appeals to donate money in the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before responding to those requests. Past tragedies and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a good cause.

Therefore, before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, to include the following:

• Do not respond to any unsolicited (SPAM) incoming emails, including clicking links contained within those messages.

• Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as surviving victims or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking sites.

• Verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming the group's existence and its nonprofit status rather than following a purported link to the site.

• Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.

• Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf to ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes.

• Do not give your personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions: Providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.

End of Press Release

For those inclined to give, researching a charity is a good idea. Guidestar and Charity Navigator are two sites that help find reputable charities and research charities' reputations.

CBS has also compiled a

MEDIAPICTURES: Haiti's Quake Aftermath
PICTURES: Haitian Earthquake

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Blog: The Latest Developments
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by fancysamantha March 18, 2010 3:07 PM EDT: If you are looking for an organization to donate too, Dan Tasset (www.dantasset.com) is the founder of an organization called The One5 Foundation that has been working with orphaned children in Haiti for years before the earthquake.

They provide medical treatment, education and spiritual support for those poor children who don't have anyone to help them.; Reply to this comment


by ArmyVet93 January 13, 2010 2:47 PM EST: PRAYERS FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE

For those who died in the earthquake and aftermath:

Lord, as we mourn the sudden death of those who died in the Haitian earthquake, please comfort us with the great power of your love, and strengthen us in our faith that they are with you for ever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them, may the rest in peace. Amen

For those suffering due to the earthquake:

All powerful Father, God of mercy, look kindly on those who suffer due to the Haitian earthquake. Please ease their burden and trust in your fatherly care. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen

Father of mercy, You always answer your people in their suffering. We thank You for your kindness and ask You to please free us from evil, that we may serve You in happiness all our days. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.; Reply to this comment


by ArmyVet93 January 13, 2010 2:46 PM EST: PRAYERS FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE

For those who died in the earthquake and aftermath:

Lord, as we mourn the sudden death of those who died in the Haitian earthquake, please comfort us with the great power of your love, and strengthen us in our faith that they are with you for ever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them, may the rest in peace. Amen

For those suffering due to the earthquake:

All powerful Father, God of mercy, look kindly on those who suffer due to the Haitian earthquake. Please ease their burden and trust in your fatherly care. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen

Father of mercy, You always answer your people in their suffering. We thank You for your kindness and ask You to please free us from evil, that we may serve You in happiness all our days. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.; Reply to this comment