The Michigan Times

Issue date: 2/1/10 Section: OpinioNation

Jennifer Profitt, Editor-in-Chief

Opening up your wallets and hearts to the people of Haiti could land you victim of con artists. The FBI is warning Internet users to be on the lookout for those who are using the crisis in Haiti to set up scams. They warn to stay suspicious of unsolicited spam, those representing themselves as surviving victims and those claiming they will make the donation on your behalf.

Not only does the FBI warn of con artist scams, they also warn against e-mails that claim to show pictures of Haiti as attached files, as they may contain viruses.

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina brought its own disaster fraud, and according to the FBI Web site, as of Sept. 9, 2009, the FBI is still investigating and prosecuting Katrina-related crimes.

The Web site scambusters. org lists common post-disaster scams and tips to avoid getting ripped off. They suggest to:

• Use common sense.
• If you get an e-mail asking for a donation, don’t respond.
• Before donating, check to make sure the charity you’re giving to is legitimate.
• If you get an e-mail with attachments, don’t open it.

The Better Business Bureau’s Web site allows users to search for charities and to file complaints. Also, charitynavigator. org provides list of reputable charities. According the Web site, the following charities that have been rated three or four stars and have a history of disaster-relief or Haiti-relief:

• American Red Cross
• Americares
• CARE
• Convoy of Hope
• Direct Relief International
• Doctors Without Borders
• Food for the Poor
• Partners in Health
• Save the Children
• Water Missions International

Charitynavigator.org also advises against giving to the Haitian government and directly sending supplies via snail mail. They also give advice on donating via text message. So before you give, do your research to ensure your donation falls into the right hands.

Jennifer can be reached at jprofitt@umflint.edu

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