How to help Ukraine and avoid being scammed
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine has left thousands dead and nearly two million people displaced, Connecticut officials are offering tips on how state residents can provide aid without falling victim to scams.
Several prominent aid organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, Save The Children, UNICEF and Americares are taking donations or offering ways to help. But state officials are urging caution when it comes to less well-known organizations, along with people claiming to be providing aid through social media or over the phone.
“Connecticut families watching this tragedy unfold want to help. This is precisely the kind of crisis that scammers seek to exploit for personal gain. Do not let them,” said state Attorney General William Tong in a joint statement with the Department of Consumer Protection on Monday. “Take your time, research the charity or effort you want to support. Do not let scammers prey on your heartache and generosity.”
DCP Commissioner Michelle Seagull said the crisis is a “prime opportunity” for scammers.
“Anyone who uses high pressure tactics or insists you need to donate immediately via gift card or cryptocurrency is likely a scammer,” Seagull said in a statement. “Do your research and make sure the money you’re donating will actually be used the way you intend.”
The warnings come as the conflict, now in its second week, has left more than 9,000 people dead and 1.7 million displaced, according to estimates from Reuters.
Connecticut leaders and the state’s delegation of lawmakers in Washington
have condemned the Russian invasion. Last week, the governor’s office and the state treasurer announced they are reviewing the state’s ties to Russia amid widespread U.S. sanctions against the country. The state is severing the state pension fund’s investments Russian businesses and Kremlin-backed debt.
The attorney general’s office and DCP offered the following tips for Connecticut residents to avoid scams while sending money or other aid to Ukraine.
Do your homework: The ⏩ agencies said residents should take time to research an organization they intend to donate to online.
That can include reviewing the organization’s website and looking up the charity on charity watchdogs. “Charities soliciting in Connecticut must be registered with the Department of Consumer Protection,” the joint statement said. That can be verified by searching the organization in the state’s license lookup tool.
Crowdfunding, social ⏩ media fundraising appeals: Any appeals for aid made through social media should be reviewed against the platform’s policies on fees and distribution of funds. “Most crowdfunding sites do very little vetting of individuals or organizations, so it is generally safest to give to someone you know personally or trust,” the state agencies said. The Federal Trade Commission has more tips about social media fundraising on its website.
Don’t be pressured to ⏩ give out information over the phone: Legitimate charity organizations won’t pressure you to make a donation right away, the agencies said, and residents should be on the lookout for scammers demanding personal information like social security numbers, bank card numbers, passwords, or other bank information. “Contact a charity by using a website you know is trustworthy or look up their phone number and call them directly,” the joint statement said. If you do choose to give, it’s safer to do so using a bank card or check, rather than cash.
Tax deductible donations: ⏩ If making a donation you want to later write off on your taxes. Verify the organization is tax-exempt through the IRS’s search on its website.
Report any suspected ⏩ scams: Residents can report suspected fraud scams through the attorney general’s office or through DCP. To report it to the attorney general’s office, email attorney.general@ct.gov or call 860-808-5318. To contact DCP, email dcp.complaints@ct.gov or visit the agency’s website.