
The urgent need to help wildfire victims in Los Angeles County is at risk of being exploited by scammers, leading officials to issue stern warnings to well-intentioned donors.
At a Glance
- Wildfires in Los Angeles prompt concerns about donation scams.
- Authorities stress verifying charities before donating.
- Scammers use sophisticated methods, including AI, to dupe donors.
- Reporting any fraudulent solicitations is crucial.
Concerns About Scams Amid Wildfires
As deadly wildfires continue to devastate homes and displace thousands in Los Angeles County, warnings have arisen about cybercriminals seizing the opportunity to misappropriate funds meant to assist victims. Authorities warn that scam artists are targeting individuals eager to help, primarily using online platforms. These criminals employ social engineering tactics to gather sensitive information or redirect donations meant for legitimate relief efforts.
Police Chief Jim McDonnell advises against making cash donations, suggesting that people use secure, traceable payment methods to protect their contributions. Fraudulent schemes often imitate well-known charities, and even government agencies, to appear credible to the unsuspecting donor base.
The Tools Scammers Use
Modern technology facilitates scam operations, making them harder to detect. The usage of AI has particularly increased the sophistication of these scams, allowing criminals to craft well-articulated solicitation messages void of errors that typically signal fraud. These appeals may come through pop-ups, emails, or social media messages. It’s crucial to maintain a healthy skepticism towards unsolicited requests for donations.
“With AI, attackers are using generative language models to come up with better pretext for phishing. They aren’t as poorly written or have the misspellings or bad grammar that they used to,” Cliff Steinhauer of National Cybersecurity Alliance said.
Attorney General Rob Bonta acknowledges the potential misuse of victims’ goodwill for personal gain and confirms the legal repercussions for perpetrators. “To anyone who would go out and take advantage of this tragedy for their greedy gain… You will be held accountable,” Bonta asserts.
How to Safely Help
Authorities underscore the importance of verifying any organization before donating. Websites like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance provide critical information on an organization’s financial management and transparency. These tools can help donors ensure their contributions reach intended recipients rather than falling into the hands of deceivers.
“Take time to thoroughly research the charity or organization that you’re considering. Reputable groups will have clear information about their mission and proven track records,” McDonnell said.
Reputable organizations often have prior positive reviews and verified lists on platforms like GoFundMe. By taking these precautions, well-meaning contributors can help their generosity aid those truly in need while circumventing potential scams.
Sources
- Scammers may be taking advantage of the California wildfires: How to protect yourself
- Beware of scams while donating to LA wildfire victims. Here’s what to look for
- Scam artists may take advantage of the Los Angeles wildfires, officials warn