NY AG Warns of Earthquake Relief Scams

NEW YORK – While the dust settles over the devastation in Myanmar and Thailand following the recent earthquake, New York Attorney General Letitia James is issuing a stark warning: criminals will exploit tragedy. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) today urged New Yorkers to exercise extreme caution when donating to earthquake relief efforts, citing a history of sham charities preying on goodwill after disasters.

“New Yorkers are generous, and rightfully so,” said Attorney General James in a press conference this morning. “But that generosity is a beacon for scammers. They see a crisis and see a payday. We’re telling people to be smart, be vigilant, and make sure your hard-earned money actually reaches those who need it, not the pockets of con artists.” The OAG has already received preliminary reports of suspicious fundraising appeals, primarily through email and social media, mimicking legitimate aid organizations.

The AG’s office outlined several key steps to protect donors. First, they advise verifying the legitimacy of any email solicitation. “Don’t just click the link,” James emphasized. “Contact the charity directly through their official website or a known phone number. If they don’t acknowledge the email, it’s a red flag.” The OAG also warns against impulsive donations through social media, urging donors to research the fundraiser organizer and confirm the charity has authorized the campaign. “Social media platforms don’t vet these things thoroughly,” the Attorney General stated. “You need to do your own due diligence.”

Beyond initial checks, the OAG recommends utilizing resources like disasterphilanthropy.org to identify established, reputable aid organizations already on the ground. New York charities soliciting donations are required to register and file financial reports with the OAG’s Charities Bureau. These reports are publicly available on the OAG’s website, allowing donors to assess a charity’s financial health and program spending. “Look beyond the feel-good messaging,” James advised. “See how much of your donation actually goes to relief efforts versus administrative costs.”

Specifically, the OAG advises donors to ask charities detailed questions about how funds will be used, which programs will benefit, and what percentage of the budget is dedicated to direct aid. “A high administrative overhead is a warning sign,” the Attorney General’s office stated. “Legitimate charities will be transparent about their finances.” The OAG is also urging New Yorkers to report any suspicious fundraising activities to their office immediately.

“We’re committed to protecting New Yorkers from fraud, especially during times of vulnerability,” Attorney General James concluded. “We will pursue anyone attempting to exploit this tragedy with the full force of the law. If you see something, say something. And remember, a little caution can make a big difference in ensuring your donation truly helps those affected by this devastating earthquake.” Anyone experiencing issues with a charity can contact the OAG’s Charities Bureau.

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