Oregon – Following recent floods and landslides that pushed Governor Kotek to declare a state of emergency, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is intensifying its efforts to alert citizens about the dangers of fraudulent activity, particularly with relation to internet fundraising. The likelihood of frauds, especially on sites like GoFundMe, rises as Oregonians band together to help impacted areas.
Scammers are ready to profit between this increased giving by organizing fake fundraising efforts. These fraudulent activities might come from phone calls, emails, texts, even in-person meetings. OEM has set forth various preventative steps residents might take to protect their personal information and contributions against this.
OEM first and most importantly emphasizes the need of confirming the validity of humanitarian efforts. Residents are advised to donate just to initiatives run by people or companies they know and trust. It’s important to look for thorough and open information on the use of the money and verify the validity of fundraisers through the Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities section, where registered groups are listed.
For individuals who might want to donate online, make sure the fundraising platform shows a safe connection—shown by “https://”—and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. It’s equally important to be cautious when sharing personal information. Sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and financial data should only be shared to confirmed organizations. Oregonians are also urged to routinely check their credit records for illegal activity and to notify IdentityTheft.gov of any suspected identity theft.
Avoiding cash donations and choosing credit cards or checks or other ways that offer further security and traceability are more protective suggestions. To get notifications about potential scams, residents may register for the Oregon Department of Justice’s Scam Alert Network.
Read also: Authorities warn of two ongoing scams that target Klamath County, Oregon residents
As the recovery process begins, the risk of encountering fraudulent contractors offering clean-up and repair services increases. OEM advises Oregonians to carefully evaluate contractors using license, insurance, and bond statuses with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. It’s advised to receive several comprehensive, documented estimates and avoid contractors that call for huge upfront fees or utilize aggressive sales strategies. Payments should be made using a credit card or a check rather than cash for further security.
OEM reminds the public that all government employees will have proper identity and will not solicit or take money; real government assistance does not call for payment. They also stress the need of following one’s instincts: residents should check the validity of an offer or request if it seems questionable by local authorities.
Especially in these days, being informed is also dependent on reliable local media and government social media outlets. Following these sites guarantees that locals get correct updates on news about disasters and recommendations on fraud protection.
Although the community’s generosity is wonderful, it’s also a time to stay alert. Following these rules helps Oregonians make sure their contributions and efforts really benefit those in need and are not diverted by fraudulent individuals. Residents may call their local law enforcement department or office of emergency management for more help or to document suspicious behavior.
To learn more on how to protect yourself, click here.
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