Florida Consumer E-Newsletter
February 2010
Charles H. Bronson
Commissioner
A Message from the Commissioner
Dear Friends:
For most of us, the devastating effects of last month’s magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Haiti are almost unimaginable. More than at any time in its history, this impoverished island nation is in need of assistance. Recent reports from the Haitian government place the death toll at well over 200,000, and the estimated number of injured at more than 300,000.
Nations from around the world are currently marshalling their volunteer resources and donating record amounts of money to the cause. None more so than the United States. But, as has been the case with so many disasters in the past, scam artists are quickly recognizing this as a major opportunity to divert some of that money into their own wallets.
This issue of the Florida Consumer E-Newsletter is dedicated to informing you about potential scams associated with the humanitarian disaster in Haiti. Remember… consumer education is the best defense against fraud and deception! The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is here for you – visit our website at www.800helpfla.com if you would like additional information, or call our Consumer Assistance Center. They will answer almost any question you may have or direct you to the best resource for assistance. If you are calling within Florida simply dial 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), outside of Florida 850-410-3800 or en Español 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).
Sincerely,
Those interested in giving are being asked to channel their monetary assistance through major, well-known relief organizations, and to verify the legitimacy of any charity that solicits their help. Florida law requires charitable organizations (excluding religious, educational and governmental entities), professional solicitors and fundraising consultants to register annually with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and provide documentation about their finances before soliciting for contributions within the state. As the regulatory authority for charities in Florida, the Department is required to share this information with consumers and thus developed The Gift Giver’s Guide. Anyone who would like to make a charitable contribution can use this tool to research whether or not a particular charity is properly registered, as well as to find out how the organization actually spends the money it takes in. The Gift Giver’s Guide allows consumers to access this type of information by visiting www.800helpfla.com or by calling our Consumer Assistance Center at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352).
Unsolicited emails or telephone calls asking for contributions are one of the biggest warning signs of a charity scam. Some of these fraudsters may claim to be surviving victims of the tragedy or officials asking for donations through social networking sites. Never give your credit card number or other personal information to anyone who contacts you in this manner.
What About Texting Donations?
Consumers should be aware that although texting your donation of $5 or $10 seems quick and easy, the reality is that money being donated in this manner may take as long as 60-90 days to reach the intended recipients.
Be wary of organizations that use names which closely resemble those of respected legitimate charities and ask you to make your donation via money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram. Using a check (made payable directly to the charity, not to individuals) or a credit card to make your donation will almost always offer you the most protection against fraud. In addition, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express have all agreed to waive their usual transaction fees (for specified charities) on charitable donations to aid Haitian earthquake victims.
Are My Donations Tax-Deductible?
Yes, as long as your contribution is to a U.S. based, tax-exempt charity, it may be counted as tax-deductible on your federal income tax. In fact, a new law was enacted January 22nd that will allow you to claim donations given to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti on your current (2009) tax return. Only cash contributions (this includes those made by text message, check, credit card or debit card) made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the January 12th earthquake in Haiti will be eligible. Taxpayers have the option of deducting these contributions on either their 2009 or 2010 returns, but not both. For more information, visit www.irs.gov.
Additional Resources
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The links below are for your information only. The goal of the Division of Consumer Services is to provide additional information to consumers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not review or confirm these sites for accuracy.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Prospective donors should contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Florida at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) to verify registration and financial information, or visit our online Gift Givers' Guide. If you are calling from outside Florida call 850-410-3800.
FBI National Press Office - Scam Alert
The FBI reminds Internet users who receive appeals to donate money in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before responding to those requests. Past tragedies and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a good cause.
International Committee of the Red Cross
If you are looking for your relatives in Haiti or if you want to inform your relatives that you are alive after the earthquake.
