Donate to legitimate campaigns: tips to avoid fraud and scams
Those wanting to make donations to support individuals and families affected by the Jasper wildfires have a number of options. However, as many Albertans are reacting to the devastation of the Jasper wildfire, with many asking how they can donate, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging caution. The BBB recommends that, before you donate, always check charities and crowdfunding campaign and consider the following tips.
- Give to individuals and organizations you know personally.
- Just because a campaign uses photos, it doesn't imply the campaign is legitimate. Scammers often use victims' photos without their permission to make donors believe the campaign is real. This is especially true in the wake of a major tragedy.
- Consider donating on specialized crowdfunding websites, and keep in mind that not all crowdfunding sites have the same rules.
- Consider vague descriptions of how donated funds will be used as a big red flag. Trustworthy charities and individuals will clearly explain the intended use of collected funds.
- Avoid duplicate efforts and stay up to date on the latest news about relief efforts. If agencies offer to pay for healthcare, for instance, crowdfunding pages that offer the same support may be required to ask donors if their funds can be used in an different way.
- Beware of emotional appeals and images. Fraudsters love to con people out of money by telling dramatic, heart-wrenching stories that tug at people's heartstrings. They usually pair their stories with urgent appeals, saying they need money right away. In addition, they may support their tall tales images that tug at people's heartstrings.
- Safeguard your personal information. Before donating online, ensure the charity’s website is secure (the web address should begin with https://) and that a privacy policy is in place regarding the use of your name, email and other personal data.
- Not all donations are tax deductible, and registered charities are different from non-profit organizations. If an organization is soliciting donations, determine whether it is tax-exempt as a charity or qualified donee with the Canada Revenue Agency. Donate directly to established charities rather than through intermediaries to ensure your donation reaches those in need.
- Read the fine print. Besides the privacy policy, a website’s fine print will tell you under what conditions (if at all) donations will be refunded and how the site handles credit card and administrative fees.
The Canadian Red Cross: 2024 Alberta Wildfire Appeal
The Canadian Red Cross has launched the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal to help people and communities impacted by wildfires in Alberta.
Donations to the Canadian Red Cross will be used for assisting those impacted in Jasper and other affected areas in Alberta with immediate and ongoing relief including financial assistance, support to evacuees and the communities hosting them, recovery and resilience efforts in response to the wildfires, as well as supporting community preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within Alberta.
To donate to the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal
- donate online at www.redcross.ca
- call toll-free 1-800-418-1111
- text ABFIRES to 45678 to donate $10
Samaritan's Purse
Calgary-based Samaritan's Purse, at the request of British Columbia’s Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, is were deploying a Canadian Disaster Relief team to set up and run a 100-bed group lodging facility in the Kamloops area. The team will provide safe accommodation and emotional support for wildfire evacuees.
Places for people to stay are quickly filling up in nearby Alberta and British Columbia communities. Both provinces face the prospect of more evacuations as several severe fires burn out of control near population centers,
"Our hearts are breaking for residents fleeing these fires," said Keith Waara, acting director of Canadian Disaster Relief for Samaritan’s Purse. "We are thankful to be able to help as many people as possible through this evacuation facility."
To donate securely online, visit the Samaritan's Purse website.
Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund
The Banff Canmore Foundation has established a fund with 100% of donations flowing through to Jasper and donors receive tax receipts at the Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund. The fund supports disaster response for Jasper and communities in the Canadian Rockies and provides relief to those affected. This is a flow-through vs. endowment fund. Currently, all donations to this fund will be directed to support Jasper wildfire response and recovery.
Jasper Fire: Caring Community Fund
Established in 2004, the Jasper Community Team Society is a trusted local organization, dedicated to support the well-being of the Jasper community. JCTS has established the Jasper Care Community Fund to help Jasper community members in need, through working with the Municipality of Jasper’s Community Outreach Services.
Community Outreach Services are the experts in our community. They will direct these funds to address the dynamic and changing needs of residents as we recover from this tragic event.
Funds raised for the JCTS are used for Jasper community members. Donate securely online.
Your donation will support the relief and recovery for the Jasper community. We work closely with the Municipality of Jasper to manage funds and ensure they reach community members in most need.