Ohioans Urged to Take Precautions Before Donating to California Wildfire Relief Efforts

COLUMBUS, Ohio - As crews continue to fight devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) urges generous Ohioans who plan to support relief efforts to exercise caution to ensure their donations are directed to reputable and legitimate organizations.

Recent warnings from the California Attorney General and local Los Angeles officials underscore the risks of fraud and scams during times of disaster. Fraudsters are known to exploit these situations, often by posing as charities or creating fake donation campaigns.

"It's unfortunate that during times of tragedy like we're seeing in California, there are those who seek to exploit the generosity of others," said DFI Superintendent Kevin Allard. "Not only are these scammers defrauding individuals of money, they're also taking from reputable charities who will use that money to help those who have been impacted. We strongly encourage all Ohioans who wish to donate to first verify that they're giving through reputable organizations who are actively involved in relief efforts. This will help guarantee your contributions reach those who truly need support."

To help avoid scams, the DFI provides the following advice to donors:

• Donate only to reputable organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, or United Way, which have long-standing expertise in disaster relief efforts.
• Be cautious of unsolicited donation requests, including those received via social media, call, email or text.

1. Avoid providing sensitive financial information such as credit card details via phone, email, or text unless you are certain of the communication's authenticity.

Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides some practical tips to ensure donations are used appropriately:

1. Conduct Research: Use resources like Charity Watch or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to vet an organization's charitable reputation before donating.

1. Approach Crowdfunding Sites Carefully: Donate only to individuals you personally know and trust if using crowdfunding platforms.

1. Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money-wiring services. Opt for credit card payments for better financial protection.

1. Verify Text Donations: Confirm the charity's text donation number through its official website before proceeding.

Ohioans who wish to support wildfire recovery initiatives are encouraged to work directly with trusted national organizations actively assisting in the efforts. These organizations provide various secure avenues for donations, ensuring contributions directly aid those in need.

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About the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions
The Division of Financial Institutions is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at www.com.ohio.gov.