Connecticut Governor Rell Urges Public to Donate Carefully for Disaster Relief; Avoid Charities Fraud

October 26, 2007 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today urged the public to donate carefully to groups that are assisting in the California wildfire relief efforts.

“In the wake of the wildfires that have devastated a major portion of California, many of us are opening our hearts and wallets in an effort to help in the recovery effort,” Governor Rell said. “At the same time, we urge residents to be cautious about sending money to unknown groups that may be out to profit from disaster relief efforts. Please be sure to support the work of well-recognized organizations, so your donations actually reach their intended cause.”

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“Governor Rell has reminded all of us that our support and skills are needed to assist our California neighbors, and I know that many Connecticut residents are planning to help the disaster relief effort,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr.

said. “Scammers often attempt to exploit tragedy for their own purposes.”

* Donate to well-known, established charities. This is the best way to ensure that your donation is used appropriately. You can help the victims of the California wildfires by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance. The Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

* The Salvation Army is also active in California relief efforts. Donations may be made online or by mail to: The Salvation Army, PO Box 503580, San Diego, CA 92150-3580.

* Don’t respond to charity telemarketers. Some of these may be scammers looking to exploit your generosity for their own profit. Even if their cause is legitimate, anywhere from 5% to 90% of your donation may be used to pay the telemarketing company. Some bogus charities use names that closely resemble established, reputable funds. Don’t contribute to telephone, email or mass mail appeals.

* Check with the Public Charities Unit. The Department of Consumer Protection registers all legitimate charities that solicit in Connecticut. If donating to a less-established organization, call (860) 808-5030 to be sure the charity is registered. You will also be able to learn the percentage of your donation that will actually reach the people you are trying to help.

* Be wary of “Special Funds.” Many media outlets and Internet sites are promoting “special disaster relief funds.” Some of these are designed to assist a specific group or population affected by the disaster. You should also check the legitimacy of these with the Public Charities Unit at (860) 808-5030 before donating.

“While the outpouring of concern and financial support for those affected by this tragedy is enormous, unfortunately, so is the potential for fraud,” Governor Rell said. “We want to ensure that the generosity of Connecticut citizens is not abused. Anyone caught scamming under the pretense of this disaster will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Earlier this week, Governor Rell encouraged the approximately 800 state employees who are certified in American Red Cross (ARC) disaster relief training to go to California and help in the wildfire relief effort if they are contacted by the ARC.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Governor Rell announced that approximately 800 state employees had volunteered to undertake special training and assist the Red Cross in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Many state employees had to use personal vacation days at that time in order to meet the minimum Red Cross volunteer period. Connecticut has since changed its law to give a state employee who is a certified Red Cross disaster service volunteer time off to participate in specialized disaster relief services for the ARC without loss of pay or accrued leave time. The state employee must have approval of his state supervisor and must have been requested by the Red Cross to participate.

Source: Connecticut Governor