NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — New York Attorney General Letitia James on Friday warned New Yorkers to be cautious when supporting wildfire relief efforts as dry, windy conditions continue to fuel fires across the state and neighboring regions.
Drought conditions continue to stoke the Jennings Creek Fire along the New York-New Jersey border, which has scorched nearly 5,000 acres and claimed the life of a New York State parks employee.
As of Friday morning, it was 90% contained on the New Jersey side, according to the state’s Forest Fire Service.
James warned that New Yorkers should be wary of sham charities attempting to take advantage of their concern and encourages everyone to take steps to ensure they are giving to legitimate charitable organizations.
“As we witness the devastating impact of wildfires in New York and our neighboring states, it is inspiring to see so many New Yorkers eager to help,” James said. “I encourage New Yorkers to support verified charities and encourage them to remain vigilant against organizations that prey on people’s generosity for personal gain. Our office will continue to do all we can to protect your contributions and assist anyone who encounters predatory practices. I encourage New Yorkers who experience any issues when donating to contact my office.”
The attorney general offers the following tips:
• Verify Email Solicitations: Check the sender’s identity before responding to an email. Contact the charity directly or visit its official website to confirm legitimacy. Avoid sharing personal or financial information unless you’ve verified the request.
• Be Cautious with Social Media Campaigns: Research the fundraiser’s organizer and ensure it’s someone you trust. Confirm the charity is aware of and has approved the campaign. Review the platform’s terms and fees before donating.
• Donate to Trusted Charities: Stick to well-known organizations. Use resources like Disaster Philanthropy to identify charities leading relief efforts. Check the NY Attorney General’s website for financial reports or request them from the charity directly.
• Understand How Donations Are Used: Learn how your contribution will support the charity’s mission. Ask about programs, recipients, and how much of the budget goes toward administrative costs versus relief efforts.
• Be Careful with New Organizations: After disasters, new groups often emerge. While some are helpful, others may lack the resources to deliver or could be scams. Research carefully before donating.
• Avoid Cash Donations: Donate via check payable to the charity or through its official website to ensure your contribution is secure.
• Protect Your Personal Information: Only provide credit card or personal details to trusted organizations after verifying the campaign’s legitimacy.
• Report Suspected Scams: If you suspect fraud or misrepresentation, file a complaint with the NY Attorney General’s Charities Bureau or call 212-416-8401.