Better Business Bureau warns of fraudulent charities in wake of Florida building collapse
SURFSIDE, Florida (WABC) -- So many people want to help the families in Florida, but the Better Business Bureau is out with a warning Sunday.
The organization is advising people who want to donate, to seek out established charities that meets its standards for charity accountability.
They say that fraudulent fundraising could emerge in the wake of the Surfside condominium building collapse.
If you're donating to a crowdfunding campaign -- the bureau says pay to special attention to the posting and check the wording carefully and make sure the funds will be used for specific purposes.
The organization says photos are often used without permission, so don't assume the money will benefit whoever is pictured in the listing.
They say if you don't know whoever is coordinating the crowdfunding effort, the next best thing is to find one that is working with an established charity.
ALSO READ | Family reports receiving 16 calls from missing grandparents' landline in collapsed Florida condo
Despite the warnings, there have been a lot of great charitable efforts put on display to show support for the families of the missing as well as first responders.
According to Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, over $1.2 million has already been donated through supportsurfside.org.
"On behalf of Miami-Dade County, we are so deeply grateful to the entire global community for the outpouring of support," Cava said on Twitter Sunday evening.
A heartwarming sight also took place at Surfside Starbucks, where an overflowing donation table was set up for family members of the victims, who were encouraged to take whatever they needed.
Starbucks also showed first responders some love too, who were offered free food and drinks.
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