GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – It’s not really a new scam, but the Better Business Bureau is offering advice to people who are looking to donate to people in Ukraine.
While the BBB encourages generosity to help those in Ukraine, they are cautioning donors to avoid questionable appeals for funding.
“We really want to encourage people to work with and support charities that already have a presence in Ukraine, because that’s really the fastest most efficient way to get help where it’s needed,” said Susan Bach of the BBB. “The fastest, most efficient way to help people in the impacted area is to donate money to relief organizations that are already there. They are better equipped to obtain what is needed locally, distribute it more effectively, and avoid any kind of duplication of effort.”
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t help local organizations and businesses that are working on fundraisers and donation programs, similar to what Ukrainian Wisconsinites, Door County Candle Company, or even Bare Bones Brewery are doing.
“We commend those organizations that are collecting items to send to Ukraine, because they would help reach people who may not normally be in a position to donate,” Bach said. “It’s really important to make sure that you look a little closer to examine what is happening to that money that’s being collected.”
If you’re looking to make it easier and simply donate online, Bach says to make sure you know exactly who you’re paying.
“We have seen a variety of people trying to raise money and crowdfunding sites. As we have seen in the past, this is the way scammers really trying to take advantage,” Bach told WTAQ News. “Not all crowdfunding sites are the same. You want to make sure that crowd funding site is vetting individuals and organizations that are creating fundraising campaigns.”
Other things to consider include:
- Does the relief charity meet BBB Charity Standards? You can verify a charity’s trustworthiness by viewing an evaluative report completed by BBB Wise Giving Alliance. See the list provided below of charities that are soliciting relief assistance for Ukraine and that also meet the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
- Is the charity experienced in providing emergency relief? Experienced disaster relief charities are the best bet to help deliver aid as soon as possible. New entrants may have difficulty in following through even if they have the best of intentions.
- Does the appeal make exaggerated financial claims such as “100% will be spent on relief”? Charities have fundraising and administrative expenses. Any charity claiming otherwise is potentially misleading the donating public. Even a credit card donation will have a processing fee.
The BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance has a list of charities that meet our standards and are specifically raising money for Ukraine relief on its website, www.give.org.
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