Wis. Officials: Beware of Superstorm-Related Scams

Well-meaning people who want to donate to relief efforts following superstorm Sandy should be on the lookout for scam artists.
    
The state Bureau of Consumer Protection says criminals often use disasters to take advantage of people's generosity. The agency says residents should make sure the charities to which they're donating are legitimate.
    
The agency offers these tips when making a charitable donation online:
    
- Don't respond to unsolicited emails or click on links or attachments.
    
- Donate to established, reputable organizations. Type in their web addresses directly instead of clicking on an alleged link.
    
- Verify a charity is legitimate by checking with the Better Business Bureau.
    
- Never send a cash donation.
    
- Be cautious about responding to phone solicitations.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
 

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