The devastating wildfires in LA have burned down thousands of homes and structures, with a death toll of at least ten people.
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Many people, including Florida residents, are eager to help those in need in the affected areas, but the Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges everyone to exercise caution when donating to an organization or GoFundMe, to ensure that the money will actually help people in the affected areas. need.
Holly Salmons of the Central Florida BBB has advice to avoid scams for those in the state of Florida who want to donate.
“Floridians know well the devastation a natural disaster can cause. And as the images and videos come to us, our hearts go out to them. And we know donors will be looking for ways to support relief efforts. However, it is important that you do your homework before pulling out your wallet or before considering donating online.”
Read: California Wildfires: How You Can Help
Ways to ensure you donate to legitimate organizations include:
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Thorough research into the organization
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Make sure you know How your money will help those affected
Read: Osceola County man beaten to death with fire extinguisher at Kissimmee hotel
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Be careful with high-pressure tactics or unusual payment methods
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Never donate to a charity that contacts you unexpectedly and asks for immediate action without providing clear information about the charity
“If you’re considering giving, especially online to a charity, whether that’s in California or the state of Florida or somewhere in between, visiting give.org is a great way to not only understand what to do donor, you should be looking for a responsible charity and running a charity, in terms of donor dollars, but also checking the names of the organizations you may be considering giving money to,” Salmons said.
Read: Death Warrant Signed in 1997 Murders
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