In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, state officials are cautioning Ohioans who want to help flood victims to watch out for charity scams.
In a statement Tuesday, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine urged Ohioans to do their homework before sending money to any organizations promising to help Harvey flood victims.
The Attorney General advises residents to research organizations requesting donations. He says "it's not safe to assume charities recommended on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have been vetted."
John North is president and CEO of the Dayton Better Business Bureau. He says his office works directly with the Ohio AG's office in verifying the authenticity of charitable organizations and holding them accountable.
"When there is a scam going on and there are problems with an organization posing to be a charity, and when it's impacted people in our area and across the state of Ohio we will get Ohio Attorney General's office involved."
The AG's office and the BBB warn against charities formed quickly after natural disasters, fake websites that may look authentic, and possibly bogus crowdfunding campaigns.
For more tips protecting yourself from charity fraud, go to the Ohio Attorney General’s website at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov. You can also find helpful giving tips at BBB.org.
