Sleazy Scammers Scam Money Off The Grieving

When we hear about a tragedy, our first instinct is to help. But for some, their first instinct is how they can use this tragedy as a way to scam money off the grieving. A new Digital Citizens Alliance report exposes these scammers and all the sleazy details of how they operate.

After the Newtown shootings, many were shocked to learn that a woman was posing as a relative of a victim and soliciting money. This woman had a history of using tragedies in this way, as she also set up fake hurricane relief charities after Hurricane Sandy.

As sad as it is, there are people and organizations who use our good nature and desire to help as a way to line their pockets. This should not stop us from helping after a tragedy, but it should cause us to take a few steps to protect ourselves when we are moved to give.

Read the report for more information on these scams and how to ensure a charity is legitimate. Criminals prey on our weakest moments, and we need to make sure they don’t succeed.