The attack against Ukraine is reprehensible, and the bravery of the Ukrainian people is inspiring. Many have stayed to fight to save their democracy. Young and old are doing what they can to repel the invading forces. Their homes have been destroyed. Many have sought shelter underground.
Others are fleeing their country to save their children and families, many with only the clothes on their backs. This means neighboring countries have hundreds of thousands of desperate people crossing their borders.
In Ukraine and in neighboring countries, the human suffering is great. The needs are great: food, clothing, shelter, basic items, financial aid.
We are compassionate and generous people. Many organizations are collecting donations of these items as well as personal care items, tactical gear, and paper products. Shipping may be an expense, time is a consideration, and items need to get where they are needed. Sometimes it’s not practical to donate items. It may be more helpful all the way around to offer money when causes are far away and in crisis – like Ukraine. And this is where we can get in trouble.
Do you remember those Moments of Opportunity that I have written about? Pain and suffering, confusion, a lot of people wanting to help. This is a Moment of Opportunity that scammers love.
When we donate, we want our money to go where it is needed, where we intend it to go, and where it can be used quickly for the peoples’ needs. We want to donate to an organization that doesn’t absorb the majority of the money for administrative costs. We want to believe that we are sending our money to legitimate organizations. That’s not always the case.
The Better Business Bureau gives some guidelines for donating:
If you are giving to a crowdfunding source, the Better Business Bureau tells us that it is safest to give it to someone you know and trust. You should also read the policies regarding fees and how collected funds are distributed.
Did you get a request for a donation? Where did it originate? Do you know the person or the charity?
Don’t give credit card numbers if you are unsure or if you don’t trust the source of the request.
You can check out a charity at Give.org, and you can see an evaluative report from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. You can also check out CBS News for a list of organizations that are helping.
Does the charity have a presence in the Ukraine or the country where the help is being given? The BBB tells us that it is better to choose a charity that is already in the country. Or can the charity access the area?
Note the charity’s expenses. How much of the donations go to the cause? Keep in mind that there are most likely fees with credit card donations.
Do a little research before you send that donation! Don’t become a scammee.
Stay safe!
