8 Tips to Protect Yourself From Ebola Scams

"Projects that share updates provide greater transparency."

By Karl Utermohlen, InvestorPlace Writer Oct 17, 2014, 4:14 pm EDT October 17, 2014

Better Business Bureau has released a number of tips to protect yourself from Ebola scams.

The two cases of Ebola in the U.S. — which includes one death — has prompted some con artists to create fake fundraisers with the purpose of ripping off people with good intentions.

BBB has issued eight tips to protect people from Ebola scams. Here’s how to avoid them:

Check out charities at give.org, the charity reporting arm of BBB.
Confirm that the group is actually a charity; charitable organizations that have received tax-exempt status provide more opportunities for verification.
Give to individuals you know. It is safest to give to those individuals you personally know who are contacting you to support their specific project.
Projects that share updates provide greater transparency. Updates from a project’s organizers help to ensure they’re being honest about the uses of raised money.
Don’t assume your donation or gift is tax deductible. If you are funding a project run by an individual instead of a charity, the funding you provide may not be deductible as a charitable gift for federal income tax purposes.
Be especially careful after a disaster or tragedy. Con artists will strike while the emotional iron is hot.
Read the fine print. There could be credit card fees and administrative costs associated with donating.
Specialized crowdfunding sites may be more adept. A site that allows any type of crowdfunding may result in more challenging oversight hurdles.

Read more about Ebola scams on BBB‘s website.

Subscriber Sign in