FBI issues a warning to think before you "Act Now"

Heads Up! Scammers Exploit Disasters for Fake Charity Schemes

The FBI wants you to stay sharp—scammers are cashing in on tragedies to trick people into donating to fake charities. Whether it's the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans or wildfires in LA, fraudsters are out there, posing as relief agencies, victims, or even celebrities, to steal your money or personal info.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Impersonation Tactics: Scammers might pretend to be disaster relief groups, victims, or influencers, using fake stories to tug at your heartstrings.
• Tech Trickery: Some are even using AI to make their scams look legit.
• Big Impact: In 2024, over 4,500 cases of charity fraud cost people around $96 million.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Research Before Donating: Look for reviews, news articles, and official registrations of charities.
2. Verify Crowdfunding: Double-check the campaign’s legitimacy—reverse search images and verify the stories.
3. Watch for Pressure: If someone says "act now," it could be a scam.
4. Avoid Unsolicited Requests: Don’t open links or messages from unknown sources.
5. Pay Safely: Skip debit, gift, or prepaid cards for donations.
   
   

Quick Tip: Legit charities don’t use free email services, and their official websites can be checked through tools like ICANN Lookup.

Think You’ve Been Scammed?

• File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• Include all the details—names, emails, payment info, and interactions with the scammer.

Stay safe, stay skeptical, and let’s outsmart the scammers!

See the official warning here.