Web Sites Offer Security To Those Looking To Donate To Haiti

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- The devastation in Haiti is written all over the faces of its people.

The White House is asking people to donate through established charities like the Red Cross, but there are thieves out there who will prey on your good intentions.

Some are in desperate need of medical care, others are waiting to be freed from a concrete prison and everyone is just struggling to survive.

Melissa Ramirez, Tulsa Red Cross, "After they see such devastation, really close to home and the pain that people are experiencing, Tulsans are very generous and this is the time that we step up and help."

From the FBI to the state attorney general's office, a warning -- do not let a thief take advantage of your sympathy.

They are offering some tips to make sure your donations are not diverted.

First, go with who you know.

"Donate to a trusted charity one that you know is working in the area that you want to support," Ramirez said.

The web site Charity Navigator also advises givers to avoid newly formed charities, unless you've been able to thoroughly research them.

Both Charity Navigator and another web site GuideStar have lists of established charities working in Haiti.

The sites have a search function that allows you to check out how the organizations spend their money.

Also make sure you designate your donation, Haiti Disaster Relief, that way you know your money will go to Haiti and not somewhere else.

The Oklahoma Attorney General's office says you should be wary of telemarketers, spam e-mails and unfamiliar organizations

Help for Haiti can be a text message away.

Text Haiti to 90-9-99 and $10 will be donated to the relief efforts and you'll be charged on your next cell phone bill.

The Red Cross says so far the program has raised $5 million.