Washington officials warn of Harvey charity scams

A warning is being issued for those in the Evergreen State who are looking to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Secretary of State Kim Wyman and Attorney General Bob Ferguson are urging consumers to be aware of scam artists exploiting the disaster.

The Secretary of State’s Charities Program and the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division urge consumers to be cautious when donating to a cause related to a natural disaster. Here are tips for wise and prudent gift-giving:

· Be suspicious of solicitors requesting immediate donations. Don’t give in to high-pressure tactics. Be sure to take time to research the charity. Check out the organization’s registration status at: http://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/ or call 1-800-332-4483.

· Pay with care. Never give out credit card numbers over the phone. Avoid cash donations. Write a check directly to the charity, not the fundraiser.

· Be wary of “new” charities with unverifiable background or contact information.

· Don’t be fooled by a name. Watch out for charities that use sympathetic-sounding names or names similar to well-known legitimate charities. Watch out for requests from fake “victims” or memorial social media accounts.