Better Business Bureau Serving the Tri-Counties Warns Homeowners About Donation Scams Following Southern California Fires

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Better Business Bureau

Jan 09, 2025, 23:30 ET


BBB Offers Recommendations for Donating to Southern California Wildfire Requests, Warning to Beware of Click-Bait and Phishing Scams, Bogus Crowdfunding Requests

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Better Business Bureau Serving the Tri-Counties issues warning to businesses and consumers tied to donation scams following Southern California Fires. As reported, strong winds fueling a fast-moving fire in Southern California has caused more than 100,000 people to evacuate their homes. For those seeking to help those in need, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips to give thoughtfully.

Tips for Donating to Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts

  • Make Sure the Charity Is Trustworthy: Before giving, search for the charity's report on to find out if the charity meets the (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity). While disaster fundraising has not yet fully emerged for this tragedy, donors might check with the following BBB Accredited Charities to help start their selection of organizations offering help: , , and .

  • Look for Specific Fire Relief Activities in Appeals: Be wary of relief appeals that have vague program descriptions and do not explain what activities your support will assist.

  • Watch Out for Click-Bait and Phishing Scams: Online giving scams tend to pop up after a disaster to take advantage of public sympathy. Don't click on email, text, or social media links promising to connect you to a familiar charity. Instead, go directly to the charity's website on your own.

  • Review Crowdfunding Requests: Some crowdfunding sites take precautions in carefully screening, vetting, and managing postings after a disaster or tragedy. Others might not. If unsure, review the procedures described on the site and also find out about transaction fees and other specifics.

  • Verify Charity Registration: About 40 of the 50 states require charities to annually register. Check with your state's office of the attorney general or secretary of state's office.

  • Understand the Phases of Disaster Relief: Most disasters go through three periods of activity: rescue, relief, and recovery. Each phase involves different activities and support. You can familiarize yourself with each phase on our .

Better Business Bureau Serving the Tri-Counties intends for this advice to help donors to give with confidence while avoiding questionable efforts.

For more information
To report a scam, go to .
To learn how to protect yourself, go to "."

Media Contact

Frank Tortorici, Marketing Maven, (908) 875-8908, [email protected],  

SOURCE Better Business Bureau