Last night in my article about the Australian fires, I promised I’d let you know how to help. Little did I realize I’d be cautioning you how not to help. But the Australian governments and news agencies have broadcast that we ought NOT respond to solicitations for money to help Australian fire survivors… from persons we don’t know or who say they represent groups that sound familiar but are off by one word or so, such as Red Crosses or United Ways…. the ‘s’ being added to make donors think they are contributing money to actual helping companies.
Apparently so many scams have already begun that the local and national governments have sent out press releases like this one today:
February 10, 2009
Article from: Australian Associated Press
QUEENSLAND police are investigating reports of scammers claiming to be collecting money for the Victorian bushfire appeal.
Police have received two reports of people trying to sell raffle tickets and asking for donations on the Gold and Sunshine coasts.
Deputy Commissioner Kathy Rynders said it was almost unbelievable.
“Anyone who attempts to impersonate a charity worker faces up to five years in prison,” she said.Ms Rynders said the safest way for people to donate to the appeal was through the Red Cross, or at their local bank.
I’d copy that: Call your local Red Cross and find out how you can help. There are drives world-over for clothing, school supplies, food, and help in the form of rescue workers, firefighters and equipment, both firefighting and medical. Major Jewish, Protestant and Catholic organizations are sending out the call to gather goods together to help the Aussies. If you belong to a church, or just know of one that does outreach work (most do)… you can call them and ask how to help with their efforts for the people in Australia. No doubt they’re collecting and gathering as we speak.
The number of fires has multiplied since last night and there is still talk from the top down that some were set purposely.