PADUCAH — While many people try to pour emergency assistance into the areas affected by hurricanes Milton and Helene, scammers are looking to take advantage of those who want to help.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Trade Commission are all warning about scams. They hope people will double-check where they are donating so the money actually goes to the people who need it.
It was a nice day Friday afternoon at Noble Park in Paducah. Still, Selena and Greg Dozier said they’re not taking these moments for granted — especially in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“I think it hits closer to home when it happens to your neighbors and your family and friends. So seeing people across the state who need your help, I think, you know, just makes you grateful. Open your heart a little bit more,” Selena said.
The Doziers are from Union City, Tennessee. They’re in Paducah for fall break with their daughter but have already donated to organizations that provide resources for hurricane victims. They donate to local organizations and know to be wary of scammers.
“I’d be real skeptical of anything online, GoFundMe, anything electronic donation, because you don’t really know where it’s going, and also you don’t know how much money is going to fees or administrative costs,” Greg said.
Blake Quinn speaks during an interview.
Blake Quinn with the Paducah Police Department said if you want to donate, check the organization first.
“I think you can always check with things like the Better Business Bureau there. A lot of the time, those types of charities will have some kind of rating through that organization,” Quinn said.
Pay attention to how the organization wants you to donate.
“If anyone’s asking you to make a donation and gift cards or wire transfers, that’s normally not a legitimate donation,” he said.
The Doziers at Noble Park, from left to right, Selena, Magnolia, and Greg.
“You take a lot of things for granted every day…you have a nice park here, you know, safe environment. But then sometimes, like, you know, a flood can wipe that away, and the kids don’t have nowhere to play, so it’s nice to kind of get back to try to help rebuild that. So they have the same opportunities as we do,” Greg said.
Quinn also mentioned if you have been scammed, you can contact your local law enforcement agencies to report it and then, of course, call your bank.
If you come across a disaster relief fund scam, report it to the National Center for Disasters. You can submit complaints of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement related to any man-made or natural disaster.