Authorities Warn of Scams Amid Los Angeles Wildfires; Urge Caution in Donations

LOS ANGELES — As devastating wildfires continue to rage across Los Angeles County, local authorities are sounding the alarm on an emerging threat to the public: scams targeting those hoping to help fire victims. With generous individuals eager to donate and support those affected by the fires, law enforcement officials are urging caution, as fraudsters attempt to exploit people’s goodwill.

Scammers Preying on Generosity

California Attorney General Rob Bonta addressed the growing concern, emphasizing that while many people have big hearts and are eager to assist, scammers are preying on that generosity. “We have people with big hearts who want to help, they want to donate, they want to support the victims,” Bonta said during a press conference on Saturday. “We also see scammers who are taking advantage of that goodness and that generosity and scamming and defrauding those individuals.”

Fraudulent organizations and individuals are taking advantage of the crisis by posing as legitimate charities or nonprofits claiming to assist fire victims. Some of these bad actors specifically target vulnerable populations, including the elderly, immigrants, and non-English speakers, making it all the more crucial for the public to remain vigilant.

How to Avoid Falling for Scams

To protect themselves from falling victim to these scams, authorities recommend that potential donors conduct research before contributing. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell encouraged donors to verify organizations through trusted websites such as Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau to ensure their contributions reach those in need.

In response to the increase in fraudulent activities, platforms like GoFundMe have introduced enhanced measures to verify fundraisers, ensuring that donations go to verified organizations. GoFundMe also highlights several reputable organizations, including World Central Kitchen, Pasadena Humane, and Baby2Baby, where people can confidently contribute.

Research is Key

“Take time to thoroughly research the charity or organization that you’re considering,” Chief McDonnell advised during a Sunday press briefing. “Reputable groups will have clear information about their mission and proven track records.” He urged the public to approach donations cautiously and trust organizations with transparent practices and verifiable histories.

As Los Angeles County continues to battle the wildfires, authorities are urging citizens to be cautious and make sure their goodwill doesn’t inadvertently support fraudulent schemes. The key to helping fire victims is not only to give generously but to ensure that those contributions make a real difference in the communities most affected by the disaster.