Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning to Floridians about potential charity scams in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The hurricanes have caused significant damage, with Helene affecting the Big Bend region and causing flooding across six states, while Milton recently hit Southwest Florida, resulting in power outages and widespread flooding.
Moody cautioned donors to be vigilant against scammers exploiting these disasters for personal gain. "Our state just suffered the one-two punch of two major hurricanes—Helene and Milton. Millions were affected by these disasters. In times of hardship, generous Floridians may desire to give to relief efforts, but this is when scammers can strike. Be cautious when deciding where to donate so that your money can go to the intended cause," said Attorney General Moody.
To help avoid falling victim to charity scams, several precautions are advised:
- Verify charities through resources like the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at Give.org or Charity Navigator.
- Investigate how donations are utilized by a charity.
- Avoid giving personal or financial information in response to unsolicited calls or emails claiming to represent a charity.
- Ensure the legitimacy of a charity's name before donating, as scammers might use names similar to reputable organizations.
For more guidance on avoiding charity scams, Attorney General Moody's Scams at a Glance: Charity Scams resource is available online.
Reports of suspected charity scams can be made by contacting the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com. Additional information on storm-related scams and recovery resources is accessible through Scams at a Glance: After the Storm.
The Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division regularly issues Consumer Alerts to inform residents about new fraud tactics and prevent financial losses due to deceptive practices. Residents encountering scams are encouraged to report them via the contact details provided above.
Floridians seeking further advice on avoiding scams can visit MyFloridaLegal.com/ConsumerAlert for recent alerts and additional information.