beware. There's going to be a special hot place for these people, you think?? :cursin: Might be some better articles, this one was from a local source.
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Tsunami Trouble: BBB Already Warns Of Scams
TheLouisvilleChannel.comLOUISVILLE - In the wake of the tsunamis that wiped out families, cities and towns all over south Asia, many local families are wondering how they can help.
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Despite the good intentions of many, others also see such a colossal tragedy as an opportunity, Target 32's Steve Burgin reported Thursday. Scam artists are looking for any edge to get you to give up your money, and playing on your grief is one of the best ways to do that.
A number of scams arose from the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Just last month, more than three years after that tragedy, a Michigan woman was sentenced to 10 months in prison for collecting $90,000 after saying her husband was either dead or missing in the collapse of the World Trade Center. Her husband is actually alive and well, Burgin reported.
"People are very generous, and they want to give in situations like this," Better Business Bureau spokesman Bruce Gadansky said. "Unfortunately, there are some people who take advantage of that every time."
Gadansky warned not to give cash or give out your credit card numbers on the phone or over the Internet. Also, he recommended that interested donors should ask telephone solicitors for written information on the charity's programs and finances. With regard to the tsunami, it might be best to stick with reputable agencies such as UNICEF, the Salvation Army and the International Red Cross.
The local Red Cross has received numerous calls.
"There's definitely concern, but also a desire to give some type of assistance," Red Cross spokesman Keith Alvey said. "A number of volunteers have offered to go there, and we've had a lot of financial support. At this point, that's what we are encouraging."
Alvey added that the rebuilding effort could take years in Asia, but the immediate needs include food, shelter and clothing. And although Gadansky offered harsh words about any scammer, he was especially critical of those trying to take advantage of a situation in which 117,000 were killed as of Thursday afternoon.
"I'd put those people in the bottom-feeder class of scam artists," Gadansky said. "You're dealing in human tragedy, which I think is just terrible."
If you have questions for the BBB, you can call (800) 388-2222.
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Tsunami Trouble: BBB Already Warns Of Scams
TheLouisvilleChannel.comLOUISVILLE - In the wake of the tsunamis that wiped out families, cities and towns all over south Asia, many local families are wondering how they can help.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Despite the good intentions of many, others also see such a colossal tragedy as an opportunity, Target 32's Steve Burgin reported Thursday. Scam artists are looking for any edge to get you to give up your money, and playing on your grief is one of the best ways to do that.
A number of scams arose from the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Just last month, more than three years after that tragedy, a Michigan woman was sentenced to 10 months in prison for collecting $90,000 after saying her husband was either dead or missing in the collapse of the World Trade Center. Her husband is actually alive and well, Burgin reported.
"People are very generous, and they want to give in situations like this," Better Business Bureau spokesman Bruce Gadansky said. "Unfortunately, there are some people who take advantage of that every time."
Gadansky warned not to give cash or give out your credit card numbers on the phone or over the Internet. Also, he recommended that interested donors should ask telephone solicitors for written information on the charity's programs and finances. With regard to the tsunami, it might be best to stick with reputable agencies such as UNICEF, the Salvation Army and the International Red Cross.
The local Red Cross has received numerous calls.
"There's definitely concern, but also a desire to give some type of assistance," Red Cross spokesman Keith Alvey said. "A number of volunteers have offered to go there, and we've had a lot of financial support. At this point, that's what we are encouraging."
Alvey added that the rebuilding effort could take years in Asia, but the immediate needs include food, shelter and clothing. And although Gadansky offered harsh words about any scammer, he was especially critical of those trying to take advantage of a situation in which 117,000 were killed as of Thursday afternoon.
"I'd put those people in the bottom-feeder class of scam artists," Gadansky said. "You're dealing in human tragedy, which I think is just terrible."
If you have questions for the BBB, you can call (800) 388-2222.
