Harrisburg, PA – As Pennsylvanians continue to step up to assist those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield today reminded donors to ensure their donations are going to reputable charities to make sure it benefits those most in need, when they need it. Also, if you chose to donate items like food or clothing, only give what has been requested by relief agencies so items don’t go to waste or overwhelm local recovery workers.
When disaster strikes, Pennsylvanians have always been eager to help their neighbors in need, near and far,” Padfield said. “As the southeastern United States recovers from two consecutive hard-hitting hurricanes, Pennsylvanians will receive solicitations for assistance. Most of those will be from legitimate sources, but, unfortunately, disasters also bring out scammers and bad actors.
Scammers try to take advantage of these situations, so be vigilant and consider these tips before donating:
· Never give to a charity you know nothing about.
· Don’t feel pressured into giving on the spot or allowing someone to come to your home to pick up the donation.
· If solicited in person, always ask to see the solicitor’s identification.
· Hang up the telephone on aggressive and harassing solicitors.
· Never commit to give over the telephone unless you are familiar with the organization and have verified the call is coming from a legitimate number associated with the organization.
· Never give credit card numbers or bank account numbers. Instead of cash, write a check payable to the charity so you will have a record of your donation.
· Don’t be fooled by a name that sounds like a well-known charity but isn’t the same organization.
· Don’t make assumptions when you hear words such as “police” or “firefighter” in an organization’s name. Although an organization may claim it has local ties or works with local first responders, that doesn’t mean contributions to it will be used locally.
Padfield noted the Pennsylvania Department of State (DOS) maintains an online database of charities registered to solicit funds in the Commonwealth, which provides registration and financial information on more than 13,000 reputable charities. Take the time to research the charity before sending the donation.
You can learn if the charity is registered with the DOS Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations by searching the online database at www.charities.pa.gov or by calling, toll-free, 1-800-732-0999. To file a complaint about any charity soliciting donations in the Commonwealth, call 717-783-4849 or email RA-ST-Complaints@pa.gov.