The Washington state attorney general's office is urging people donating to help those beset by wildfires to use caution when giving to charities.
In a statement, the office encouraged people to do their research to make sure they aren't being scammed.
“The destruction in Spokane is heartbreaking, and generous people across our state want to help,” Attorney General Nick Brown said in a news release. “It’s important to give safely to ensure your hard-earned money is helping those in need.”
An official channel to help those affected by the Spokane fires has been set up through the city's H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund.
For those wanting to help the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, which was hit by the Kaiser Canyon fire last month, the official Cedar Fund is available on the Tribe's website.
The attorney general's office recommends that anyone wanting to give to a charity be aware of high-pressure tactics seeking immediate donations, watch out for impostors and beware of QR codes.
QR codes are a quick way to visit a website or app, but scammers can use them to send you to fake fundraisers or malicious websites," according to the news release. Only scan QR codes from trusted sources or known senders. Always verify the URL displayed on your screen before clicking on it and make sure it starts with 'https.'”
The secretary of state's office can be a resource for researching charities because it handles the registration of nonprofit organizations in the state. Its website includes a search tool for charities.
The attorney general's office also noted that money given through crowdfunding sites first goes to the organizer, who controls the funds, and that such organizers are not often registered with the state.
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