Scams in Wake of Disaster

In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, a warning went out to the elderly and others about charity scams that may appear.

Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho) notes that all the supplies needed for the recent disaster relief are in place. What is needed now is cash.

“But unbelievable as it is,” says Craig, “some of the first folks to show up in times of disaster are scam artists. Senior citizens can become vulnerable because of their generous nature and the fact that so many of them are home when the telemarketers call.”

Everyone - both old and young - should be extremely careful when giving funds. Do not give out your credit card or social security numbers to anyone who calls you.

Also beware of computer scams. You may receive e-mail messages encouraging you to go to certain web sites and enter a credit card number to make donations. Unless you know for certain that the organization is legitimate, we advise against giving out that type of information.