TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, it’s admirable that people want to help victims of the storms, but Florida state officials want to make sure the generosity doesn't end up benefiting scammers.
Gisela Rodriquez, an attorney from Puerto Rico who now lives in Tallahassee, is working to help victims as well -- and she encourages others to get involved.
Hurricane Maria has pummeled Puerto Rico and the island is still in desperate need. Rodriquez’s family still lives in the U.S. territory. She remains unable to contact her parents.
“The sound of their voices is what gives me strength and (the) power to just keep going and keep doing what I'm doing,” Rodriquez said. “So missing that medicine daily, it's like you're slowly dying.”
But she isn’t letting the agony bring her down. After researching charities to find ways to help, Rodriquez found AirDrop, a group of volunteer pilots who fly donations that she collects directly to Puerto Rico.
“(I’m) beyond thankful,” Rodriquez said. “I don't think there's a word.”
Rodriquez did her homework to make sure the charity she picked is legitimate.
The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said there are a number of online tools to help check a charity’s credibility.
“You can find out whether they're registered, and how much of your money will actually go to the individuals they want to help versus administrative costs,” said Jennifer Meale, of the department.
There are also red flags that can give scammers away, the Florida Attorney General’s Office said.
“Particularly in the wake of a disaster, a charity scam may pop up as a solicitation,” said Whitney Ray, of the Attorney General’s Office. “Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics or anyone who's hesitant to provide you more information about their charity.”
Charities soliciting in Florida must register with state and file annual reports.
So far, the Attorney General’s Office said it hasn’t received any charity complaints since Maria hit.
To report a charity or scammer, call 866-9NO-SCAM. To check out the legitimacy of a charity, go to this website.