TECH BYTE: Donate to Maui Relief Efforts Without Getting Scammed

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Recent wildfires have devastated Maui.

Most people can’t make the trip over to Hawaii to help those impacted, but we can donate financially, or with much needed supplies.

If you want to help, make sure you don’t get scammed in the process.

You want your hard-earned money going to the right place.

The Better Business Bureau says to look for appeals that are clear about what disaster relief services you’re supporting.

You also want to donate to an organization that’s experienced, and can quickly get victims what they need.

The BBB recommends a group that’s already near the disaster.

The Bureau also advises donating money over food and other items.

Doing that gives charities more flexibility in using their resources in the affected areas.

Sending money to a food bank in, or near Maui is one option.

BBB accredited charity Feeding America works with food banks all across the U.S.

The Better Business Bureau also recommends that you closely examine any crowdfunding requests when donating to any Maui relief efforts.

It’s safest to give to someone you know and trust. If not, make sure to review the platform’s policies and procedures.

Not every crowdfunding site vets posts.

And finally, this seems like common sense, but the BBB says to make sure the charity you’d like to donate to is trustworthy.

The organization already has a list of some accredited charities you can support that are helping with Maui relief efforts.

They include the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and United Way.

You can find more information about them at Give.org.

The Better Business Bureau says it’s constantly updating its accredited charities.

Feel free to contact the BBB about any organizations you don’t find on the website.