Watch Out for Charity Scams After the Kona Low Storm

The Kona low storm caused serious damage on Oahu’s North Shore. Some homes were flooded. Others were washed away. Many families – younger and older – now have nowhere to live. People all over the island want to help. But sadly, scammers also try to take advantage of this disaster.

SMP Hawaii wants to help you give safely. Before you donate, make sure the charity is real. The Hawaii State Department of the Attorney General – Tax and Charities Division shared these simple tips to protect your money.

How to Donate Safely:

• Give straight to a charity you already know
  • Read the fundraiser description
  • Do not give cash
  • Do not share personal or bank information
  • Watch out for fake charities or names that look almost the same as real ones
  • Ignore random emails, texts, or social media messages asking for money
  • Take your time – don’t let anyone rush you
  • Ask questions
  • Always check that the charity is real

Scammers have already started pretending to be government offices or well‑known charities on apps like Venmo. They also make fake fundraisers on social media. They hope people are too worried or busy to notice the small signs of fraud, like a similar organization’s name, e.g., not American Red Cross but instead, Red Cross America.

Your help can truly support ‘ohana who lost everything. Just be sure your gift goes to a real organization.

If you need help checking a charity, contact the AG’s Tax and Charities Division:
Phone: 808‑586‑1480
Email: ATG.CharitiesA@hawaii.gov
Website: www.ag.hawaii.gov/tax

You can also help protect Hawaii’s kūpuna and their families from scams by volunteering with SMP Hawaii.

SMP Hawaii:
Toll Free: 1‑800‑296‑9422
Email: info@smphawaii.org
Website: www.smphawaii.org

Facebook: smphawaii808