Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection Shares Safe Giving Tips for Wildfire Relief

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 15, 2025

The California wildfires have caused devastating destruction, leaving thousands of residents in need of help. Many people across the country are eager to assist, but it is crucial to ensure that donations go to trusted organizations that will use contributions effectively. The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) reminds donors to take precautions before giving.

"The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is reminding donors to proceed cautiously. High-pressure situations or disasters often create opportunities for scammers to prey on people's goodwill," said OCP Director Eric Friedman. "While it is natural to want to act quickly to help, we urge everyone to take a moment to verify charities before donating. Making sure your money reaches the right hands is the best way to support those affected by the California wildfires."

To ensure your generosity has the greatest impact, OCP offers the following tips for safe giving:

• Choose Trusted Organizations: Do your research before donating. Look for charities with a proven track record. Websites like CharityWatch, Charity Navigator and Candid can help verify organizations. You can also search the Office of the Secretary of State Maryland Charities Database for more information on charities that solicit contributions from Maryland residents or are in Maryland. If you are unfamiliar with a charity, review how donations are used and contact the organization directly to inquire about its mission, how it plans to help fire victims and its nonprofit status.
• Watch Out for Imposters: Scammers often create fake charities or websites that resemble those of legitimate organizations. Carefully verify any charity's website URL and be cautious of unsolicited communications claiming you have made a donation. Fraudulent sites may try to collect personal data or install harmful software.
• Be Cautious with Social Media and Crowdfunding: While many social media and crowdfunding campaigns seem heartfelt, not all are legitimate. Ensure that funds go directly to a charitable organization or are used for the stated purpose. Remember, platforms may not always verify the legitimacy of campaigns, so approach with care.
• Know How Funds Are Used: Look for transparency on how donations will be spent. Trustworthy charities should clearly explain what portion of your contribution will directly support relief efforts.

To further protect yourself, avoid cash donations or unconventional payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency, as these are difficult to trace and often used by scammers. Keep detailed records of your donations, including receipts, to track how your contributions are used.

By following these precautions, you can help ensure that your generosity directly supports those affected by the California wildfires.

The Office of Consumer Protection works to ensure fairness, trust and transparency in Montgomery County's marketplace by safeguarding consumers, resolving disputes and educating the community. OCP is located at 100 Maryland Ave., Suite 3600, in Rockville. Walk-in hours are from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information or to file a consumer complaint, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311, or visit its website.

Stay connected with OCP on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and the Consumer Connection Podcast.

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Release ID: 25-029
Media Contact: Brittany Freeman 240-777-3732
Categories: Public Safety, Volunteer

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