Beware of Haiti Scams

It's hard to imagine that people would find an opportunity to scam others during a large scale tragedy, but you have to be very careful of scammers right now. Regardless of how anxious you may be to give to Haiti, you need to do some research first. I also suggest that you find out what the administration fees are for a charitable organization before giving. I refuse to give to organizations with high administration fees. If you make a $100 donation and only $5 of that money actually goes to the victims, I think that's just as much a fraud as the scams you find online. This is especially the case if that money is providing high salaries, luxury company cars and private jets. Do your homework folks- some of these non-profit organizations aren't that different from Wall Street.

CNN posted a list of companies that are indeed aiding the charities they claim to help. The link for that is http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact/.

As for the ongoing emails, pop ups and web sites that claim to be charities- beware. It's bad enough that people are being taken advantage of due to their good nature, but the bigger crime is that the money that is supposed to go to those in need is being scammed and stolen.

Keep the good karma flowing- just be cautious with your donations so they go to those in need.

Ciao!