Fake charities are scamming those eager to help in the wake of the largest mass shooting in U.S. history. The Better Business Bureau issued a warning on Monday, June 13, informing donors that they might be giving money to fake funds disguised as organizations pledging to help the Orlando victims and families.
“Scammers depend on heightened emotion and often follow closely behind tragic events,” Holly Salmons, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Central Florida, said in the press release.
“We are already hearing about click-bait schemes and questionable solicitations, and we expect there will be numerous scams and frauds,” H. Art Taylor, the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, added in the release. “We urge those generous donors to give wisely so their gifts can do the most good.”
The BBB advises that if you’re looking to make a donation, you should avoid clicking on links that you aren’t familiar with, and be sure to double-check the URL for accuracy. Also be on the lookout for “vague appeals” that don’t specify how money will be used and check to see if the site is registered with the government.
That said, not all charities are scams. So far, Equality Florida’s GoFundMe account has collected a record-breaking $3.6 million. Dan Pfeiffer, a spokesman for GoFundMe, confirmed to CNN that the campaign is the site’s largest ever.
Additionally, the City of Orlando has set up a separate fund, the OneOrlando Fund. On Tuesday, June 14, ABC News reported that the Walt Disney Company is donating $1 million to the fund to assist those affected.
As previously reported, gunman Omar Mateen shot and killed 49 victims while inside Pulse nightclub early Sunday morning. Dr. Michael Cheatham of the Orlando Regional Medical Center revealed on Tuesday that he expects the death toll to increase, as several patients are still in the hospital, and six are currently considered “critically ill.”
