RELEASE: Wednesday, July 16, 2008
RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ELDERLY AFFAIRS ISSUES ALERT FOR
FRAUDULENT CONTRIBUTION SCAMS
CRANSTON --- This spring, there have been several natural disasters throughout the nation, including tornadoes, wildfires, and floods that have had a severe impact on those particular areas effected by the storms. Tens of thousands of people in Midwest and West areas of the nation have experienced severe devastation that includes loss of lives and property. In China, the earthquake has exacted a heavy toll on that nation with an unimaginable loss of life and homes.
Ever since September 11, and the hurricanes Katrina and Rita in New Orleans, people have heeded the call to send money to the survivors and victims of these disasters.
Unfortunately, many con artists have viewed these tragedies as an opportunity to scam people who want to help other people by contributing to a relief fund. Sadly, many times elders are the preferred target of the con artists and bogus charities that use the Internet to steal funds. "It is unfortunate that seniors have to be on the alert for charitable contributions scams," said Corinne Russo, Director of the RI Department of Elderly Affairs. "We urge all seniors to look closely at any solicitation for charitable contribution before they send or pledge money to a specific organization or appeal," she advised.
According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, you can avoid becoming a victim of a charitable donation scam if you observe these guidelines:
Do not respond to any unsolicited (Spam) e-mail.
Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting via e-mail for donations.
Do not click on links contained with unsolicited e-mails.
Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Open attachments from known senders only.
To ensure that contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to the known organization rather than relying on others to make your contribution on your behalf.
Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly accessing the recognized charity or aid organization's web site rather than following an alleged link to a site.
Attempt to verify the legitimacy of the non-profit status of the organization by using various Internet-based resources. This may also assist you in confirming the actual existence of the organization.
Do not provide any personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions. Providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
Frauds pertaining to this scheme or pertaining to Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse can be reported to Rhode Island SMP at 462-4444.
The Department of Elderly Affairs was established as a cabinet-level position in 1977 under Rhode Island General Law 42-66-1. DEA is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive system of programs and services for Rhode Islanders age 60 and older. DEA is also the state's single planning and service area agency on aging under the provisions of The Older Americans Act of 1965.
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