BRUNSWICK
As Tropical Storm Harvey continues to ravage Texas and now Louisiana, Maine’s attorney general and local law enforcement are warning of hurricane-related scams while advising how to help victims.
Maine Attorney General Janet Mills on Tuesday advised
Mainers to choose wisely in sending funds to agencies to help the families and communities suffering from the extreme weather.
“A natural disaster brings out the best us, and people around the world offer whatever we can to aid victims like those down in Texas this week,” Mills said in a press release. “Unfortunately, it also sometimes brings out people who take advantage of our good nature and provide no help to those in need.”
Mills warns against giving money to organizations that are unfamiliar or not recommended by her office or other official sources. She also provided a list of organizations considered reliable.
“If consumers have any questions or complaints about a particular organization, I encourage them to call our Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-436-2131,” she said.
Other sources for charitable giving can be found on websites of the Maine Attorney General, the Texas Attorney General, and the Federal Trade Commission.
Local police respond
Topsham police shared some tips on its Facebook page Monday for giving to legitimate organizations, adding to the list Global Giving and Save the Children.
“Hurricane Harvey has affected us all. It’s difficult to look at the heartbreaking events in Texas without wanting to help in some way,” the department states. “Scammers know this and are eagerly trolling, hoping to take advantage of our generosity to scam money from unsuspecting victims.”
Topsham police remind people not to give out credit card or other information over the phone or by email unless they have initiated the call or communication.
The Sagadahoc County Sheriff ’s Department asked its followers on Facebook to adhere warnings from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The department’s U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team — or USCERT — urges people to check on charities with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar.
“Don’t assume that charity messages posted on social media are legitimate. Research the organization yourself,” the US-CERT website advises. “When texting to donate, confirm the number with the source before you donate. The charge will show up on your mobile phone bill, but donations are not immediate.”
Donors should also designate the disaster to ensure their funds go to disaster relief rather than a general fund.
More ways to help
The American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate money on its website, redcross.org, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10. Apple is also accepting Red Cross donations via iTunes and the Apple App Store.
The Red Cross is also seeking blood. Upcoming blood drives in Midcoast Maine include:
• Today at Topsham Grange Hall at 47 Pleasant St., from noon to 5 p.m.
• Sept. 5 at the American Legion at 200 Congress Ave., Bath, from 1-6 p.m.
• Sept. 8 at the American Legion Post 20 at 1 Columbus Drive, Brunswick, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
United Way Worldwide has a relief fund to provide shelter and basic needs, as well as long-term recovery efforts. Donate at unitedway.org. The Salvation Army is also accepting donations for hurricane relief at give.salvationarmyusa.org.
Pets are also affected by the storm and donations can be made to the Humane Society of the United States at humanesociety.org. Wings of Rescue is providing flights for shelter animals out of the flooding and is also accepting donations at wingsofrescue.org/donate.
For volunteer opportunities or other places to donate, check with National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, at nvoad.org.
Catholic collection
The state’s Catholic churches will participate in a special collection Sept. 2 and 3 to provide aid for victims. Diocese of Portland Bishop Robert Deeley says it’s time for Catholics in the state to step up and help people in Texas who are facing “monumental and heartbreaking” loss.
Deeley says money collected this weekend will be donated to Catholic Charities USA, which is providing relief to the victims of the hurricane. He says Catholic Charities will also offer long-term recovery assistance in the future.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
dmoore@timesrecord.com
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