Maryland AG warns of donation scams amid Los Angeles wildfires
BALTIMORE -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown is encouraging individuals to be aware of fraudulent charities and scams when donating to Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts.
"Many individuals are eager to help those affected by this unprecedented disaster by making donations. Unfortunately, scam artists often take advantage of disasters like these to set up fake charities and exploit your goodwill, so you'll want to be on the lookout for fraudulent charities and other scams," Brown said in a statement.
Fortunately, there are some ways you can avoid donating to fraudulent charities:
- Before donating to a charitable organization, you should check to see if the charity is registered with the Maryland Secretary of State's Public Registry.
- Donating to well-known local or national charities with expense in disaster relief
- Never agree to give money over the phone or to a door-to-door solicitor.
- Ask solicitors for written information about the charity.
- Be wary about clicking on requests for donations found in emails or on third-party websites.
- Search the charity's name online with terms like "scam" or "review" to see if others have had questionable experiences with the organization.
- Don't respond to requests for prepaid cards.
- Do not agree to send money through a courier or wire.
Organizations should also be able to explain how your donation will be used, the AG said.
How you can help
Anne Arundel County Public Schools is collecting donations for students and families impacted by the LA wildfires through its #LiftLA initiative.
Anne Arundel County parents and students can drop off donations to their schools to be collected starting Wednesday, Jan. 22.
The American Red Cross is also providing financial assistance to households impacted by the Eaton, Palisades, Hurst, and Kenneth fires. You can find out more information by visiting the American Red Cross website, calling 800-733-2767, or CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to donate.