Officials urge caution when supporting Hurricane Melissa victims

OHIO — As Hurricane Melissa makes landfall onto Cuba, devastation follows in Jamaica and the Caribbean. 

Officials are urging Ohio donors to check their donations and ensure they give wisely to those in need and not people looking to take advantage of the situation.

“Natural disaster responses always bring out the best in people who want to help, but sadly, these situations are often times exploited by fraudsters looking to take advantage of others’ generosity for their own personal benefit,” Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions Superintendent Kevin Allard said. “Before you contribute to a cause, it is critical to verify where your donations are going to ensure they get to the people and organizations who really need them.”

Allard said charities should always be vetted to confirm funds reach legitimate relief efforts. 

In 2024, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 4,500 complaints for approximately $96 million in losses involving fraudulent charities, crowdfunding accounts and disaster relief campaigns. 

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), imposter scam reports in Ohio increased by nearly 47% when compared to the same period in 2024.

FTC also shared other tips for navigating donations, including:

• Donate to trusted charities: Only donate to charities with a proven track record in handling disaster relief. Individuals should be cautious of unsolicited requests for donations
• Conduct research: Always verify an organization’s charitable reputation by conducting an online search, and consider using resources like the BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance or Charity Watch
• Crowdfunding caution: Exercise caution when donating to individuals on crowdfunding sites. If you do, make sure it’s someone you personally know and trust
• Secure payment methods: Avoid making donations via cash, gift cards, wiring money, services such as Venmo, or cryptocurrency. By making donations via credit cards, Ohioans can stay better protected from fraud
• Verify text donations: Before making a donation via text, be sure to confirm the charity’s number on its website to ensure it is valid