Utahns want to donate money to help people impacted by Helene and Milton, and the bad guys know it

Oct 14, 2024, 10:40 PM | Updated: 10:52 pm

SALT LAKE CITY Some of the images we’ve seen from Florida and the Carolinas following the devastating one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton really tug at the heartstrings. It’s very difficult to see people flooded out of their homes and not want to do something to help.

That “help” also makes the news. We’ve reported on some of Utah’s awesome people who are collecting supplies, raising money or in some cases traveling to hurricane-impacted areas. But not all people are awesome. Some who say they are trying to help are really just trying to line their own pockets.

“Scammers will try to use these tragedies to take advantage of people and make a buck,” said Bree Fowler of CNET, who writes about cybersecurity.

Ways to stay safe

She says if you are worried about your money getting into the right hands, there are steps you can take.

For example, you’ve maybe seen in our newscasts that KSL is raising money for hurricane relief using the name of the American Red cross. Well, if you scan the QR code, you can see that it takes you to redcross.org. You don’t have to trust that KSL will pass on the money. It’s going straight into their system.

As for the Red Cross itself, let’s pretend for a second that you’ve never heard of them. On the GuideStar website that you can use to research and verify a charity’s credentials, you can type in American Red Cross in the search field and in seconds see how much money they bring in, what they do with it, and how long they’ve been around. And if you really want to go down the rabbit hole, you can even review their IRS forms.

These are important steps that take time. A legitimate charity shouldn’t pressure you to give on the spot!

“They’re not going to have a problem with you taking a beat thinking about it and then doing your homework before you hand over your cash,” Fowler said. “Now a scammer, on the other hand, wants you to click before you think.”

If someone asks you for money in the form of a gift card, cryptocurrency, or cash – be very skeptical. A real charity will take your credit card. Plus, that will give you a traceable paper trail.

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Hockey Club Scores Three Goals In Wild First Period Versus Capitals

With a back-to-back, there is always the worry of fatigue, but the Utah Hockey Club dashed those concerns with two goals on their first two shots, less than two minutes into the game.

49 minutes ago

This photo provided by Booking.com shows Booking.com's 2025 Super Bowl NFL football spot....

DEE-ANN DURBIN, MAE ANDERSON and WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS, AP Business Writers

Super Bowl commercials rely on comedy and nostalgia to avoid potential missteps

Super Bowl commercials this year are going for the laughs, feels and nostalgia to avoid potential missteps.

1 hour ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Hockey Club Vs. Washington Capitals: Live Updates And Analysis

The Utah Hockey Club is facing off against Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals, getting Super Bowl Sunday started with some early morning hockey in the Nation's Capital.

2 hours ago

Salt Lake County Search and Rescue responds to an avalanche fatality in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Sa...

Becky Bruce

Avalanche danger to remain “considerable” across Utah, forecaster says

Forecasters expect "considerable" avalanche danger for at least a couple more days, after an active weekend for slides.

2 hours ago

Fresh snow in Franklin Basin on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. Search and rescue teams are searching for...

Kennedy Camarena

12-year-old snowmobiler found after overnight search

Search and rescue teams are searching for a young snowmobiler who went missing while with his family and friends.

3 hours ago

Respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are on the rise across the U.S....

Michelle Lee

Simple ways to keep respiratory illnesses away

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Nicole Henry with CVS to learn what we can do to protect ourselves from respiratory illnesses.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Utahns want to donate money to help people impacted by Helene and Milton, and the bad guys know it