Beware of ‘Ukraine’ Charity Scams
State consumer officials warn of online and phone scams.
Laptop. (CC0 Public Domain).
With a new humanitarian crisis catalyzed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a lot of people are seeking ways to help. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Intuitions (DFI) are warning consumers to do research before donating money to a charity. Phone and online scams are seeking to exploit sympathy for Ukrainians victimized by the Russian invasion.
“Scammers see tragedies as a way to line their pockets at the expense of well-meaning citizens,” said Lara Sutherlin, administrator for DATCP’s Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. “Give generously to a charity if you are inclined, but always research an organization before sending money.”
Fake charity scams can come from a phone call, through the mail, or online. Mimicking the names of major established charities, the scams often seem convincing. Consumers are encouraged to pay attention to whether web addresses end in .org or .com — since the latter indicates that the organization is not a nonprofit charitable group. Scammers also utilize social media and send out spam text messages that can also expose phones and computers to malware and hacking. If a charity was created since the invasion began, be particularly cautious, experts warn.
If you want to verify that a charity is real, try to find contact information for the charity besides the number or email address which initiated the pitch. You can also check to see if a charity is registered in Wisconsin by visiting DFI’s website. Complaints can be filed at the DATCP website, or by emailing DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.
Beware charity scams that mention Ukraine was originally published by the Wisconsin Examiner.
More about the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
- Senator Baldwin, Colleagues Call for Immediate Action to Support Ukraine - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Oct 4th, 2023
- Diplomats Say Ukraine War Will Change Global Trade - Rich Kremer - Apr 21st, 2022
- Supervisor Burgelis Introduces Resolution Supporting the People of Ukraine - Sup. Peter Burgelis - Apr 18th, 2022
- Katelyn Ferral of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will share her recent reporting experiences in Ukraine - Milwaukee Press Club - Apr 18th, 2022
- Milwaukee Jewish Community Gives Ukraine Aid - Catherine Capellaro - Apr 5th, 2022
- New Land Enterprises Supports World Central Kitchen’s Work in Ukraine - New Land Enterprises - Mar 28th, 2022
- Pro-Ukraine Billboard in Milwaukee, Spurred by Coincidence, Inspires Global Information Campaign - Podcamp Media - Mar 22nd, 2022
- Marquette Klingler College of Arts and Sciences hosting two-day panel on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, March 23-24 - Marquette University - Mar 21st, 2022
- Op Ed: Ron Johnson Abandons Ukraine. Again - Bill Kaplan - Mar 21st, 2022
- Milwaukee’s sister city Irpin, Ukraine is under siege, and can use some help - Ald. Khalif Rainey - Mar 18th, 2022
Read more about Russian Invasion of Ukraine here
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If someone asks me to contribute money for the U.S. war in Ukraine war, I’ll tell them that I gave that money to the Wisconsin Humane Society.