US FTC warns of Japan earthquake charity scams

THE US FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) has issued a warning to the public about scam charity appeals pretending to offer aid to Japan after the earthquake and tsunami last week.

The FTC is asking people to be extremely careful as reports surface of a rise in humanitarian relief scams in the wake of the Japanese disaster, which apparently some low-lifes are attempting to take advantage of to line their pockets.

These scams can take multiple forms, with many popping up on websites, social networks and by email. However, there are also a number of them being pursued by phone and in person, which might seem more legitimate to those who are wary of spam and scams on the Internet.

The FTC has a charity checklist that people can use to identify real charities. It also offered a few tips to consumers to avoid being scammed, such as asking the name of the charity, asking what percentage of a donation will actually reach those affected by the disaster, and verifying that the charity has authorised the individual to collect on its behalf.

The US federal consumer protection agency advised that people not donate with cash, as there is no record of the transaction. It also recommended that people ask for a receipt and only offer their credit card or bank details if they are certain that the individual and charity are legitimate. µ