Southern California is facing catastrophic wildfires, fueled by intense winds and spreading rapidly, forcing over 100,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
As communities rally to help those …
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Southern California is facing catastrophic wildfires, fueled by intense winds and spreading rapidly, forcing over 100,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
As communities rally to help those affected, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance offers essential advice to ensure that donations genuinely support victims and do not fall into the hands of fraudsters.
While the generosity of donors is commendable, disasters often attract scammers looking to take advantage of public sympathy. The Better Business Bureau of Central & South Alabama shares key tips to guide individuals in making informed and impactful donations to the wildfire relief efforts. First, it's important to verify the trustworthiness of a charity before donating. The BBB's Give.org provides detailed reports on accredited organizations that meet BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. Charities that are BBB Accredited have been reviewed for their trustworthiness, ensuring that contributions are managed responsibly.
Donors should also be cautious of vague relief appeals and instead look for specific details about how their donations will be used. Legitimate organizations will clearly explain their programs and efforts to aid the affected communities. Additionally, it's critical to be wary of scams, particularly through unsolicited email, text or social media links. Instead of clicking on these links, donors should go directly to the charity's website to make their contributions. Another area to watch out for is crowdfunding campaigns, which can be a bit of a mixed bag. While some platforms thoroughly vet campaigns, others may not, so it's important to review platform policies, verify the organizer's identity and understand any transaction fees before donating.
Another valuable tip is to confirm that a charity is properly registered. In the U.S., about 40 states require charities to register annually. Donors should check with their state's attorney general or secretary of state's office to verify an organization's registration and ensure it's legitimate. Furthermore, understanding the three phases of disaster relief — rescue, relief and recovery — can help donors choose where their funds will be most impactful. Donations should be made in alignment with the specific phase of response to meet current needs. For more information on how to support these efforts, the BBB offers a Supporting Disaster Relief and Preparedness page with additional guidance.
For those looking to contribute to Southern California wildfire relief, several verified charities are actively accepting donations. The American Red Cross is providing emergency relief and shelter services for displaced residents, while the California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund is focusing on long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts. A list of trusted organizations supporting these efforts can be found at BBB's Trusted Charities Supporting Southern California Wildfire Relief.
In addition to donation guidance, the BBB offers resources to help individuals and businesses navigate wildfire-related challenges. These resources cover wildfire preparedness, proper insurance coverage, post-damage recovery and how to avoid scams targeting vulnerable communities. Visit BBB Wildfire Relief Resources at bbb.org for expert advice.