Posted on September 8, 2005

Philanthropy and Voluntarism

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends that before donating to hurricane relief, consumers check the reports section of its Web site for details on specific groups. Included in its warnings about disaster relief appeals, the alliance urges donors to be wary of any charity that might be inexperienced in carrying out relief efforts, as well as of appeals short on details about what the organization will actually do to help victims and their families. And if making a donation online, beware of charities that adopt the name and style of well-known organizations, or of spam or e-mail message requesting a contribution. Known as "phishing," such scams often link users to fraudulent Web sites that look identical to those of established charities in order to get credit card or other personal information.