During such times, we look at our finances and find out how we can extend help to our grieving brothers. If our emergency funds are enough, we can set aside some amount for charities.
Our eagerness to help should be coupled with wisdom. It is sad to note that scammers take advantage of people’s desire to help. Don’t be the next victim of these scoundrels. Here are some valuable tips for you.
How to Avoid Being Scammed
1. Make your donations through the charitable organization’s official website. While the social media is helpful in providing information, it has become the venue for misinformation and spam link.
2. Be informed about how much of your donations get to the victims directly. Legitimate charitable groups would love to inform you how your donations are distributed to the devastated areas.
3. Ask an official receipt. This will help you track your donations. Plus, you can claim for tax deductions with the official receipt.
4. If you think you have been scammed, seek help from the Federal Trade Commission its toll free hotline is (877) FTC-HELP. When you report scam artists, you protect all like-minded people from being scammed.
Where to Donate
There are organizations that have earned the reputation of being able to help the victims of natural calamities. This list may not be exhaustive, but it sure provides you a good idea for your decision.
1. The Red Cross is perhaps the most popular international organization that tackles the issue of disaster relief and rehabilitation.
2. Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) provides humanitarian medical assistance. The organization was created by doctors and journalists.
3. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) majors on rehabilitating devastated areas after the tragedy.
4. OxFam helps fight poverty and injustice. The organization responds to disasters anywhere in the world.
At a time of tragedy like what happened to the Philippines, charitable donations can go a long way. May you find in your heart the joy of giving to the victims at this great time of need.