CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – In wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many Americans are seeking to provide assistance to those impacted by the conflict.
However, as is the case with all donations, the public is encouraged to be cautious with their money to avoid potential scammers.
The Cleveland-area Better Business Bureau has provided the following tips for those considering a donation:
1. Does the relief charity meet BBB Charity Standards?
- Verify a charity’s trustworthiness by viewing an report from BBB Wise Giving Alliance
2. Can the charity get to the impacted area?
- See if the charity already has a presence in Ukraine or nearby countries to provide relief quickly.
3. Should you send clothing and food?
- Local drives to collect clothing and food to send overseas may not be practical. Logistics and timing to deliver and disperse such items will be challenging.
4. Is the charity experienced in providing emergency relief?
- Experienced disaster relief charities are the best choice to help deliver aid as soon as possible. Newer charities may have difficulty in following through even if they have the best of intentions.
5. Are you considering crowdfunding appeals?
- If engaging in crowdfunding, it is safest to give to someone you know and trust and review the platform’s policies regarding fees and distribution of collected funds. Keep in mind that some crowdfunding sites do very little vetting of individuals or organizations that decide to post for relief assistance.
6. Does the appeal…
