Attorney Gen. Biden Warning Del. Residents About Ebola-related Scams
WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) – Attorney General Beau Biden is warning Delaware residents to be on alert for Ebola-related charitable and investment scams.
The warning comes after the Better Business Bureau reported fraudulent websites purporting to be soliciting donations for the fight against Ebola have been reported in New York.
Consumers should make sure a charity is legitimate by visiting the BBB at www.bbb.org, Charity Navigator at www.charitynavigator.org or the American Institute of Philanthropy at www.charitywatch.org for a list of verified organizations. They should also make sure the website and the charity match up and that the site is secure.
Customers should also hang up on "aggressive cold callers" and delete unsolicited email and should avoid clicking on links or pop-up ads or providing any personal information to anyone suspected of operating a scam.
Del. officials also suggest those who do donate write out a check rather than giving cash or using their credit card.
If you suspect you've been scammed or have received suspicious emails or calls, you should call the Attorney General's toll-free Consumer Hotline at 1-800-220-5424 or email the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit at consumer.protection@state.de.us.