Florida Attorney General warns of charity scams in the wake of Hurricane Michael

Jacksonville, FL — It's unfortunately something we see pop up after hurricanes and other disasters-- scams.

In the wake of Hurricane Michael's path of devastation in Florida's panhandle, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is urging you to be wary of potential scams involving what appear be charities.

Her office recommends avoiding solicitors that use high-pressure tactics to get you to donate or are unable to provide you information on their organization.

She also wants you to double-check the names of charities, as scammers will often use names very similar to well-known, legitimate charities.

Her office suggests considering a donation to an established charity.

Governor Rick Scott has activated the Florida Disaster Relief Fund in response to Michael, which is operated by the Volunteer Florida Foundation. You can donate to them either online, by clicking HERE, or by making a one-time $10 donation by texting the word DISASTER to the number 20222.

If you have doubts about an organization, Bondi recommends calling the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA. That’s the agency that regulates charities and will be able to tell you if a specific charity or organization has any complaints against them.