GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Wildfires have torched nearly 18 million acres of land, killed over a billion animals, and destroyed countless homes and properties in Australia since September.
People around the world are finding unique and creative ways to help those in need – but others are using the event to stuff their own pockets.
Celebrities are donating millions, models are trading personalized pictures for donations, and firefighters continue to battle as wildfires ravage Australia. But be wary of scammers claiming to raise money for the cause.
“They may be creating fake websites, fake charities, solicitng funds through crowdfunding sites – and have no intention of donating any of that money to people in need in Australia,” says Susan Bach of the Better Business Bureau, “There are some legitimate, established charities that we highly recommend people use because they have the knowledge and infrastructure already in place to ensure the money goes to people who need it.”
The concerns are two-fold when it comes to crowdfunding sites. While scammers may be utilizing the sites, donating to a legitimate backer could also cause some confusion.
“Check to see who is behind the appeals and if it’s somebody who is legitimately connected to that charitable cause,” Bach tells WTAQ News, “Oftentimes when you’re donating to a crowdfunding site or an individual, that will not be tax deductible. Be very careful and look for information on the website to answer those questions.”
Not all crowdfunding sites operate alike either. Some crowdfunding platforms do a better job of vetting postings and projects than others, and they typically also charge various processing fees that may reduce donation amounts.
It’s also recommended to review the crowdfunding site’s description of its terms and procedures. When crowdfunding platforms employ safeguards against potential frauds, they generally make it a visible point to help encourage giving.
Whether you donate to a crowdfunding request or directly to a charitable organization, vague descriptions of how the money will be used should be a flag for caution. For example, will the funds be used for firefighting activities, temporary housing for displaced families, food, medical expenses, reconstruction, or other relief activities? Could donations be used for long-term recovery programs, or not? Thoughtful requests for funding will identify genuine disaster needs and response abilities, and communicate clearly about intended donation uses and plans for funding distributions.
For those who want to completely circumnavigate the plights of scammers or the headaches of crowdfunding site specifics, it is possible to donate directly to charities and firefighters in Australia. It just takes a little bit of research to find the right place to go.
“If you’re looking specifically to donate to a local Australian fire service, we ask you to research those charities through an official Australian government link such as the NSW World Fire Service,” Bach says.
If you are considering donating to an Australian-based charity, check out the registry of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission.
