Kind-Hearted Floridians: Watch Out For Scammers Exploiting Tragedy

Even as we watch and read the heartbreaking news reports of the ongoing search and recovery efforts in Maui, floods from Tropical Storm Hilary—and anticipate the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia here in Central Florida—sadly, criminals will exploit these tragedies, and those to come.

Residents in Maui’s scorched areas have endured unimaginable losses of homes, businesses, and loved ones. People are still missing and the damage is widespread. It’s easy to be drawn into efforts to raise money to help ease their suffering.

However, I join Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody in warning Floridians who may want to donate to aid organizations in the wake of these tragedies. Scam artists use disasters such as these by pretending to represent legitimate charities or even creating fake charities to solicit money online, in person, or over the phone.
It’s maddening that such connivers seek to exploit the kindness of big-hearted donors at times like this.

Here are important tips from the Attorney General’s website (www.myfloridalegal.com) to help you avoid these greedy criminals:

• Before donating, make sure a charity is accredited with the Better Business Bur- eau by searching its Wise Giving Alliance website at: https://Give.org or Charity Navigator.org You can research if a charity exists or if there are complaints.• Research how the charity uses donations using CharityNavigator.org to see spending breakdowns;
• Do not provide personal or financial in-formation to unsolicited calls or e-mails on behalf of a charity. If you want to donate, ask the charity to mail or e-mail you information and a pledge form;
• Review the charity’s name, logo, and e-mail address before donating. Scammers use designs that closely resemble well-known organizations.
• Consider donating to a legitimate charity before being solicited.

Victims of charity scams in Florida can re- port them to the Attorney General’s Office at 866.966.7226 or visit MyFloridaLegal.com

As we enter the peak hurricane season, prepare your homes and families to be ready for possible storms. Gather your hurricane supplies and have an escape plan, just in case and practice good crime prevention.
If you think you have become a victim of fraud, please call our non-emergency number at 386.248.1777 or call 911 in an emergency. We’re always here to help.

Stay smart and stay safe,
Sheriff Chitwood