Want To Help Those in Hawaii? Be Careful Scammers Are Busy

Beware if you're inclined to give to help those impacted by big fires in Hawaii. The Better Business Bureau and other authorities warn that scammers take advantage anytime people want to help others. 36 people have died on the island of Maui and many areas are burned including the historic town of Lahaina.

SCAMMERS USE ALL KINDS OF THINGS TO TRICK YOU INTO THINKING THEY'RE LEGITIMATE

The scammers set up fake websites, send fake emails and make fake phone calls hoping people will give them financial information hoping to help. BBB officials say anytime you give your money or financial information to an organization make sure you do your homework or give to those who you've worked with in the past.

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HERE'S SOME TIPS;

Watch out for scammers that create fake websites. Always verify with the official website before you give.

Charities that allow donations in Hawaii need to be registered the Department of the Attorney General. You can verify the legitimacy of a website at BBB.org

Scammers have tactics to make you confused or rush you into a donation so make sure you slow down, think and do your homework.

Legitimate charities only take donations in the form of credit cards or check.
Don't be fooled. Scammers are busy in the Yakima Valley and in Washington State this year.

SCAMMERS ARE BUSY IN THE YAKIMA VALLEY AND THE STATE THIS YEAR

Scammers are busy in the Yakima Valley and in Washington State this year.
In fact a new study by https://socialcatfish.com shows online scammers have broken the $10 billion mark for the first-time ever. The study says a record $10.3 billion was stolen in the U.S. in 2022 - more than the GDP of 66 countries - and up from $6.9 billion the year prior.

LOTS OF VICTIMS EVERY YEAR IN WASHINGTON STATE

In Washington, 12,432 victims lost $240 million, No. 11 most in the nation.
Officials from the Better Business Bureu says Since most victims send money to foreign fraudsters, U.S. law enforcement has no jurisdiction, and the overwhelming majority of money does not get recovered.

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