BBB alert: Advice on Hurricane Helene relief donations

If you're looking to support charities involved in Hurricane Helene relief efforts, the Better Business Bureau advises donating to well-established disaster relief organizations that are actively working in the affected regions.

For more guidance on contributing to charities aiding those in this emergency, visit the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

To help those seeking to donate to charities that are addressing Hurricane Helene relief efforts, the Better Business Bureau recommends supporting experienced disaster relief organizations that have a presence in the impacted areas.

“It’s so important that your donation does not go to a scammer,” says Steve J. Bernas, BBB president and CEO. “Fraudsters will pretend to be charities to steal your money. They will devise fake websites to capture your credit card info. You could receive emails and texts from impostor charities. You might get a phone call from a crook asking for hurricane relief money.”

Six questions to ask before giving to Hurricane Helene relief

Hurricane Helene’s damage is absolutely devastating. Crooks will be coming out of the woodwork to capture generous people’s efforts to help those in need. BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends that donors consider the following six questions before making a donation.

• Can the charity provide fast assistance? See if the disaster relief charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas. Unless they already have staff there, it may be difficult to provide quick assistance. Check if their website describes how they can address immediate needs.

• Should you provide in-kind assistance? Donating clothing, food or other in-kind donations may not be the best way to help unless the charity has the ability to properly distribute such aid. Ask about their transportation and distribution plans.

• Which emergency needs is the charity addressing? Many individuals in flooded areas will seek safety in shelters and need access to food and water. Charities focused on such activities serve a vital role in helping communities address natural disasters.

• What about crowdfunding requests? If engaging in crowdfunding, it is safest to give to someone you personally know and trust. Also review the platform’s policies and procedures, keeping in mind that while some crowdfunding sites take significant measures to vet posts, others don’t.

• Will there be other opportunities to give? Keep in mind that each disaster has both immediate and long-term needs. There will be many opportunities to provide help. After a major flood event, cleanup activities likely will present a major challenge.

• How can you verify the charity’s trustworthiness? Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. We recommend giving to charities that meet all 20 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability found at Give.org.

BBB Accredited Charities supporting Hurricane Helene relief efforts

The following BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) are engaged in activities to assist Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

American Kidney Fund — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

American Red Cross — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

Americares — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

Church World Service — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

Direct Relief — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

Episcopal Relief & Development — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

GlobalGiving — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

Heart to Heart International — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

Humane Society of the United States — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

International Medical Corps — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

Salvation Army — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

Save the Children — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

United Methodist Committee on Relief — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

World Vision — Hurricane Helene Relief Activities

If you've encountered a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Sign up for BBB’s free consumer newsletter, BBB Edge, at BBB.org/ChicagoBuzz. Visit BBB.org or follow us @ChicagoBBB on social media. Look for the BBB seal, The Sign of a Better Business.