Officials Warn Of Wildfire Victim Donation Scams

Emergency Management directors in Woodward County are warning about donation scams for wildfire victims.

4/18/2018 Related Story: Largest Wildfire In Oklahoma Spreads Northeast

Emergency Management said the best way to know that you're donating to a legitimate organization is to simply do some research before giving your money away.

The State Department of Emergency Management has a list of reputable agencies you can donate to on their website.

But they said the big names like Red Cross or Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief are always a safe bet.

Local and volunteer fire departments are also in need and you can look into donating to them.

Emergency Management said the best thing to do is just spend a few minutes researching the agency you hope to donate to, making sure your money is going to help those in need.

“Groups that you know of locally that you can check out yourself. Those are certainly groups that you can depend on who are going to use the money for the intention that you have in making that donation,” said Deputy Director for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management Michelann Ooten. 

Emergency Management said it could be weeks before they have a complete list of all the homes and people affected by these wildfires.