The FBI has issued a warning regarding the surge in fraudulent charitable schemes following mass casualty events and natural disasters, such as the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans and the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. Scammers often exploit these crises by posing as legitimate disaster relief organizations to deceive people into donating money or personal information.
These fraudulent actors may impersonate official relief groups, celebrities, or victims themselves to create a sense of urgency and legitimacy. In some cases, AI-generated content is used to enhance the appearance of authenticity in scams. Such schemes can be conducted online through fraudulent crowdfunding campaigns, social media solicitations, and even in-person donation drives.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported over 4,500 complaints in 2024, with victims losing approximately $96 million to fraudulent charities and disaster relief campaigns.
To protect yourself, experts advise researching the organization, company, charity or crowdfunding campaign thoroughly before donating. Key steps include:
- Verifying the organization’s, company’s or charity’s credentials by checking if it is registered with the IRS or a state company or charity regulator.
- Researching the crowdfunding campaign’s legitimacy, including verifying the person or cause benefiting from the funds.
- Being cautious of any urgent appeals for money, especially those requesting quick action or using high-pressure tactics.
Donors should also avoid sending funds through unfamiliar channels, such as gift cards, prepaid cards, or unverified individuals or organizations. If you suspect you’ve been scammed, do not provide additional funds or personal details, and report the incident to the FBI’s IC3.
For further guidance or to report fraud, visit the FBI’s IC3 website at www.ic3.gov.
