NASHVILLE, TN—In the aftermath of the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, many East Tennessee residents are eager to help those in need.

The FBI’s Nashville Field Office reminds the public to be vigilant and exercise caution before donating to organizations or individuals claiming to support disaster relief efforts.

Scammers often take advantage of natural disasters by posing as legitimate charities, preying on the generosity of those who wish to help.

“The FBI encourages those who want to support relief efforts to be cautious,” said Joe Carrico, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Tennessee. “We all give because we want our donations to help others. By taking the time to verify the legitimacy of organizations and following these safety tips, you can ensure that your donations make a real difference for those impacted by the flooding”.

Guidelines for Safe Giving

Solicitations for donations come from e-mails, websites, phone calls, door-to-door collections, or social media. The FBI advises residents to follow these critical guidelines to protect themselves from fraud:

• Avoid unsolicited e-mails: Do not click on links in unsolicited e-mails or respond to spam messages. These e-mails may contain viruses or malware designed to compromise your computer or steal personal information.
• Verify organizations: Be cautious of individuals or groups claiming to be victims or officials soliciting donations online. Always verify the legitimacy of a nonprofit organization by using trusted online resources before donating.
• Beware of copycat charities: Scammers often use names similar to well-known charities to confuse donors. Double-check that the organization’s name and website are legitimate.
• Examine e-mail attachments carefully: Avoid opening attachments in unsolicited e-mails, especially those claiming to show photos of disaster areas. These could contain malicious software.
• Make donations directly: To ensure that your contributions reach the intended recipients, donate directly to established organizations rather than through third parties or intermediaries.
• Resist pressure to donate: Legitimate charities will not pressure you to give. Be wary of high-pressure tactics used to rush your decision.
• Protect personal information: Never provide personal or financial details to anyone soliciting donations. Sharing this information could make you vulnerable to identity theft.
• Choose safe payment methods: Whenever possible, donate via credit or debit card or by writing a check directly to the charity. Avoid cash donations, and do not make checks payable to individuals.
• Check website domains: Most legitimate charity organizations have websites that end in .org rather than .com. Be cautious when donating to organizations with unfamiliar web addresses.

Report Fraud

If you believe you’ve encountered a fraudulent solicitation or have been a victim of disaster-related fraud, report it to the FBI or the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the toll-free hotline at (866) 720-5721. The NCDF is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also report to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.