FRAUDULENT SOLICITATIONS SURFACE AFTER TRAGEDIES

Anchorage, Alaska – Dec. 18, 2012 – Connecticut Better Business Bureauis already receiving reports of fraudulent charities soliciting on behalf of the families and victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. As scammers prey on post-tragedy compassion, BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington encourages local donors to:

• Be wary of “new” charities with little background information.
• Avoid organizations that only accept cash donations and refuse receipts.

• Watch out for solicitations from fake “victim” or memorial social media accounts.
• Beware of vague news headlines or sensationalist celebrity quotations tied to tragedies that are quick to go viral.

• Check with the Alaska Department of Law to ensure that charitable organizations and paid solicitors are registered—as required by law.
• Visit alaska.bbb.org/charity for more information on giving wisely.

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Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington: For 100 years, BBB has been advancing marketplace trust. BBB is a neutral not-for-profit organization that helps consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. For more information on ethical business standards, BBB Accreditation, BBB Business Reviews, Charity Reviews, complaints, events and anti-fraud tips, contact BBB or visit bbb.org.