Beware of Donation Scams in Hurricane Melissa’s Aftermath

2 min read

As communities continue to recover from Hurricane Melissa, donation scams are on the rise, targeting well-meaning individuals eager to help storm victims.

What is a Donation Scam?

A donation scam is a type of fraud where criminals take advantage of people’s generosity, especially after disasters like Hurricane Melissa. Scammers pretend to be collecting money, goods, or services for victims, charities or community projects, but instead, they keep the donations for themselves.

Scammers often use the emotional impact of disasters to trick people. They may reach out via phone calls, text messages, social media, or door-to-door visits, asking for urgent contributions. Because they appear convincing, many people give money without verifying the source, making it difficult to recover the funds later.

What to Watch For:

Unverified Charities: Individuals or groups claiming to collect funds for victims without proper registration or official documentation.
High-Pressure Requests: Calls, messages or emails urging immediate donations, claiming time-sensitive emergencies.
Unusual Payment Methods: Requests for donations via cash or wire transfer which are more difficult to report or recover.
Impersonation of Officials: Scammers pretending to be government workers, utility companies or reputable non-governmental organisations (NGOs) collecting contributions.
Online Scams: Fake crowdfunding pages, social media appeals or websites that mimic legitimate charities.

How to Protect Yourself:

Verify First: Confirm the legitimacy of any charity or individual collecting donations. Check official registration, websites and reviews.
Use Trusted Channels: Donate through known organisations or established platforms such as the JN Group’s ISupportJamaica Fund for Hurricane Melissa at isupportjamaica.com. Avoid cash donations to unknown individuals.
Be Sceptical of Urgency: Legitimate organisations rarely pressure donors to act immediately. Take time to confirm details.
Share Cautiously: If spreading appeals on social media, ensure the source is verified to avoid amplifying scams.
Report Suspicious Activity: Notify local authorities or consumer protection agencies if you suspect a donation scam.

Be vigilant and always check information to help ensure that aid reaches genuine hurricane victims. By taking simple verification steps and staying cautious, you can support recovery efforts safely without falling prey to fraudsters.