Top 7 tips before donating to Nepal Earthquake relief

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The sheer number of organizations appealing for help can be overwhelming to average do-gooders moved by the emotional scenes of Nepal's earthquake who want to do something.[br /][br /]But unfortunately scammers can prey on those good intentions.[br /][br /]Before you donate, 7 On Your Side has 7 tips to avoid charity scams.[br /][br /]After last week's earthquake, the appeal for much needed funds has soaked the Internet.[br /][br /]Dozens of campaign websites have sprouted up allowing fund-raisers to easily solicit funds online. Most are legitimate, but...[br /][br /]"There are people who want to take advantage of misfortune. And that's what we are seeing with Nepal," said Steve Lee, director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, which busted phony fund-raisers surfacing after Superstorm Sandy who were pocketing donations intended for Jersey shore victims.[br /][br /]His best advice: investigate before you donate. "Learn as much as possible about it. Read the charity's website. Ask questions," says Lee.[br /][br /]Don't be fooled by professional looking websites, that Lee says can divert your money from getting into the hands of aid workers desperate for funds.[br /][Ads /][br /]Also beware of sound-alike names designed to fool you into thinking you're working with a charity you know and trust.[br /][br /]"Go to an actual charity's website and check it out," says Lee. "Don't just click on a link and put in your credit cards."[br /][br /]A big giveaway you're dealing with a scam is high pressure. Don't succumb to demands to give large amounts immediately.[br /][br /]"They give instruction right away on how to send money by wire green dot cards or money orders," says Lee.[br /][br /]Before donating, ask how funds are used. Ask whether the charity has an aid network of workers on the ground in Nepal, or is most of your money going to overhead costs in a different country.[br /][br /]Director Lee says phishing attempts are prevalent after a disaster. An email from the Japan Emergency Fund asking for a minimum of $300 after the Japan tsunami succeeded in raising thousands before it was found to be fake.[br /][br /]"You see the need and want to donate right away. But instead, stop and think first," says Lee.[br /][br /]And one bonus tip, legitimate charities will direct you to literature, links, reviews and accreditation. Reputable charities encourage questions about giving.[br /][br /]Illegitimate charities will skirt providing direct answers to simple specific questions. Also, most reputable charities do not solicit after a disaster, they are too busy helping people in need to text your phone, call you, or email you.[br /][br /]Also a dead giveaway you're dealing with a scam, is if a donation solicitation plays on your emotions. Reputable charities do NOT employ guilt tactics to raise money.[br /][br /]To check New York State charities are registered/licensed, visit:[br /][url HREF="http://www.charitiesnys.com/RegistrySearch/search_charities.jsp" TARGET="http://www.charitiesnys.com/RegistrySearch/search_charities.jsp[br /][br /]" REL="http://www.charitiesnys.com/RegistrySearch/search_charities.jsp[br /]"]http://www.charitiesnys.com/RegistrySearch/search_charities.jsp[/url][br /][br /]To check New Jersey charities, visit:[br /][url HREF="http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charities/Pages/default.aspx" TARGET="http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charities/Pages/default.aspx" REL="http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charities/Pages/default.aspx"]http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charities/Pages/default.aspx[/url][br /][br /]