Beware donation scams during hurricane relief efforts

With so much devastation happening in Texas, many people are eager to help in some way.

Organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are assisting those affected by Hurricane Harvey. They’re taking donations and asking people to help in any way they can.

For those sending money, how can you be sure it is not going to a scammer?

They will use multiple ways to get people’s money including creating fake websites that look like organizations and sending out emails with fake links. Falling into a scammer’s trap could cost you.

“Be wary of any organization that asks you to donate through a money order, wire transfer, anything that you can’t trace” Samantha Gillihan, Better Business Bureau, said. “And that’s money that you can’t get back either. So definitely deal with organizations that have you pay by card in a secured way and in a way that you can track personally on your end as well.”

If you do receive an email from a random address, be sure not to click on any links in the email.

If you wish to make a donation, here are a few organizations.

To donate to the American Red Cross, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text “HARVEY” to 90999, you can also donate on their website here.

To donate to the Salvation Army, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, text “STORM” to 51555 or visit their website here.