When being charitable can get you in trouble...

By Jeanine Bader
March 27, 2008

Charities are instrumental in helping those that have been affected by natural disasters and local tragedies. When disasters like Hurricane Katrina occur, the nation goes in to high gear and many of us want to help by contributing money.

There are many reputable charitable organizations, but, according to the FBI's cyber crime unit, there has been an influx of websites and emails that spoof legitimate charitable organizations.

Several variations of this scam are currently in circulation. Their main purpose is to obtain enough information to steal the victim's identity and/or take over their accounts.

Victims receive unsolicited emails or pop up advertisements claiming to be from well known charitable organizations asking for donations to help in the latest relief effort. If the victim responds by giving personal and account information, it is taken and that person's identity is then stolen and/or accounts taken over.

There are tips for you to ensure that when you give money to charitable organizations that it will go to the cause you are supporting and not to a scammer.

• Do not respond to any unsolicited incoming emails (SPAM).
• Go directly to a recognized charity web site as opposed to following a link provided in an email or pop up.
• Attempt to verify the legitimacy of any charitable organization and of their non-profit status before donating.
• Be careful of emails claiming to show pictures of the disaster in attachments. These attachments can contain viruses that can harm your computer.

Donating to charitable organizations is very rewarding and also tax deductible. By protecting your personal information and doing your homework before you donate, you can make sure you are truly donating to a worthy cause and will not be harmed in the process.