Governor Encouraging Tsunami Relief Donations,

But Beware Of Scams

On January 3, Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell joined President George W. Bush in recommending several well-known national and international causes heading up Tsunami disaster relief following the killer waves that to date have taken more than 150,000 lives across South Asia.

In an email from Hartford, Gov Rell urged Connecticut residents to donate to a charity of their choice to aid recovery efforts, highlighting several charities with state ties that are playing key roles in helping victims.

The national network of Better Business Bureaus is also cautioning donors to beware of authentic looking web-based enterprises that are conduits for fraud. Within days of any natural disaster, the Better Business Bureau knows that unscrupulous individuals will attempt to take advantage of Americans’ eagerness to assist victims of the tragedy.

“The BBB Wise Giving Alliance encourages the public to contribute to helpful causes that will assist the families and victims of the tsunami catastrophe,” said Art Taylor, president and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. “Donors should make certain, however, that the charity is properly registered with appropriate state government agencies, that it describes exactly what it will do to address the needs of victims, and that it is willing to provide written information about its finances and programs.”

“Donors can visit the www.give.org website to access detailed evaluative reports on many of the US-based relief organizations providing assistance in South Asia,” she added.

In addition to checking with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, donors should consider the following tips:

1. Donors should be wary of any charity that is inexperienced in carrying out relief efforts but is suddenly soliciting for tsunami assistance. Although well intentioned, such organizations may not have the ability to quickly deliver aid to those in need.

2. Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion, but short on describing what the charity will do to address the needs of victims and their families. Also see if the charity’s appeal explains what the charity intends to do with any excess contributions remaining after they have fully funded the disaster relief activities mentioned in solicitations.

3. As with all other disaster relief situations, most relief charities prefer financial contributions rather than donated goods. This enables them to purchase needed items near the disaster relief site(s) for easier distribution. The collection and delivery of inappropriate donated items can also clog transportation channels and delay more vital items in getting through to disaster victims.

4. If you contribute, do not give cash. Make a check or money order out to the name of the charitable organization, not to an individual collecting the donation.

5. If you decide to contribute online, find out more about the charity before making a contribution and be aware of red flags. For example, some charities imitate the name and style of a well-known organization in order to confuse people. Also, when clicking on the link to “donate,” look at the organization’s URL in the browser window. Exercise caution if the domain name is hidden, is not familiar to you, or is not the same as the one stated in the text of the link.

6. Watch out for excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations. Be wary of any request to send a “runner” to pick up your contribution.

7. Do not give your credit card number or other personal information to a telephone solicitor or in response to an email solicitation. Ask the caller or sender to provide you with written information on the charity’s programs and finances.

8. Do not hesitate to ask for written information that describes the charity’s program(s) and finances such as the charity’s latest annual report and financial statements. Even newly created organizations should have some basic information available.

9. Be wary of charities that are reluctant to answer reasonable questions about their operations, finances, and programs. Ask how much of your gift will be used for the activity mentioned in the appeal and how much will go toward other programs and administrative and fundraising costs.

10. To help ensure your contribution is tax deductible, the donation should be made to a US-based charitable organization that is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Go to IRS Publication 78 on www.irs.gov for a current list of all organizations eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable gifts.

Among the local charities tied to relief efforts are:

The Salvation Army, 860-543-8400 or on the web at www.salvationarmy-ct-ri.org. Donations should be marked “Southeast Asia Disaster Relief Fund.”

Save the Children, 800-SAVETHECHILDREN or on the web at www.savethechildren.org. Mail donations to Asian Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Fund, 54 Wilton Road, Westport CT 06880

AmeriCares Foundation at www.americaresfoundation.net. Mark donations “South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund” c/o AmeriCares Foundation, 88 Hamilton Avenue, Stamford CT 06902

The American Red Cross, 800-HELP-NOW or 800-257-7575 (for Spanish-speaking operators). Contributions to the “International Response Fund” can be mailed to the Danbury-based Red Cross Chapter, 2 Terrace Pl, Danbury CT 06810, 792-8200.