Sheriff's Urges Fraud Awareness in Donating Money to Japan Relief Efforts

Los Angeles County Sheriff's officials are urging caution in donating money to relief efforts in the wake of Japan's 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami last Friday.

Experts recommend donating money, Sheriff's said, so that supplies can be purchased close to the affected areas. But Sheriff's warn that the potential for fraud is higher when donating cash.

"Unfortunately, while many people are extending a helping hand, criminals use the opportunity to cheat and steal from those who are trying to help those in need," Deputy Robert Boese III said.

The Sheriff's have issued the following tips to protect yourself from fraud:

1. The Federal Trade Commission, the federal consumer protection agency, has provided a "charity checklist" to advise people on donating wisely to charities. They also provide the following tips:
   • Ask for the name of the charity if the telemarketer does not provide it promptly;
   • Ask what percentage of your donation will support the cause described in the solicitation;
   • Verify that the charity has authorized the solicitation;
   • Do not provide any credit card or bank information until you have reviewed all information from the charity and made the decision to donate;
   • Ask for a receipt showing the amount of the contribution and stating that it is tax deductible;
   • and Avoid cash gifts. For security and tax record purposes, it's best to pay by check - made payable to the beneficiary, not the solicitor.
2. The State of California Department of Justice, Office of the California Attorney General also has a charity research tool that includes returns that charities file annually with the IRS.
3. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) also has a list of non-profit charities that are known to be working with the Japanese government at usaid.gov.

To find a training or volunteer opportunity you can navigate to CaliforniaVolunteers.org and enter your zip code to find a list of "Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness" opportunities in your area.

Fraud

• Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force — Mass marketing, mail, wire, and internet fraud page
• CA Attorney General's Consumer Information Page
• L.A. County Sheriff's Fraud and Identity Theft Prevention Information

Donations

• USAID disaster assistance 
• USAID Japan earthquake response 
• Red Cross

Volunteering

• California Volunteering — Disaster Volunteering
• CERT Training, Los Angeles