Hurricane Matthew Aftermath: Don’t be Taken By a Fake Charity – Brigade Bookkeeping

I hope this blog finds you and your family safe from Hurricane Matthew. South Florida dodged the worst of it, but other parts of the state, the Southeastern U.S. and people in the Caribbean are still picking up the pieces from this powerful storm.

In fact, immediately after the storm hit the Caribbean, killing so many people in Haiti, President Obama urged Americans to help Haitians in need by donating to charitable organizations. But before you donate, make sure the charity you are giving money to is real. That’s right, there are thieves out there who take advantage of people’s generosity.

That’s why Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam enacted the state’s enhanced charity laws. That means charitable organizations are required to register with Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before asking for contributions. Plus, legitimate charities that raise $50,000 or more in the aftermath of a crisis or natural disaster must submit specific documentation to the department.

So, before you give to a charity, here are some of my suggestions:

• DO YOUR RESEARCH– Commissioner Putnam encourages those who want to donate to organizations based in Florida to visit FreshFromFlorida.com. On this website, you can look up if a charitable organization is registered and compliant with the law. The website lets you look at the services and programs supported by your charity of choice.

• CHOOSE A REPUTABLE CHARITY – In order for a charity to be registered, it must submit financial information about its contributions and program service expenses on a quarterly basis, unless it has been registered for at least four consecutive years. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of charities, feel free to call the organization and ask these questions: Who will benefit from your donation? How much of your donation will go to help those in need? How much will go toward administrative or fundraising expenses?

• REPORT SUSPICIOUS CHARITIES – In 2014, the Florida Legislature strengthened laws to protect people from becoming victims of charity-related scams. If you feel you’re being solicited by a suspicious charitable organization, report it. Call 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-435-7352 and 1-800-FL-AYUDA or 1-800-352-9832, if you speak Spanish.

I’m really thankful Hurricane Matthew spared us this time; hopefully it won’t be back for a second round. But now is the time to help others who need it. Don’t be afraid to give, just make sure you do your research. Of course, save the receipts and give them to your bookkeeper, so he or she can deduct your donation with the IRS at the end of the year. Now that’s a win, win!