Be Cautious When Donating to Haiti Relief

Week of February 08, 2010

Not all urgent appeals to help earthquake victims in Haiti are legitimate, a consumer expert with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission warns. Carol Kando-Pinedo says the best way to provide immediate help is to donate money directly to established national relief organizations that have the experience and means to deliver aid. Be sure to decline unsolicited e-mail, phone calls or text requests for money and requests for personal or financial information. To obtain a list of charities for Haiti that meet the Better Business Bureau's (BBB's) standards, visit the BBB website. The Wise Giving Alliance and GuideStar also are good sources for screening charities.