SEATTLE — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Secretary of State Kim Wyman are warning Washington residents to be wary of scams when looking to make charitable donations during the coronavirus pandemic.
“In this unprecedented situation, many of us are searching for ways to help,” Ferguson said. “Unfortunately, scammers look for ways to prey on Washingtonians’ goodwill. Washingtonians should know that my office is on the lookout for individuals preying on our generosity during this crisis. If you see any suspicious or fraudulent solicitations, file a complaint with my office.”
>> Coronavirus in Washington state: A timeline of the outbreak
Washington is at the forefront of the pandemic in the United States with at least 74 deaths among at least 1,376 cases as reported by the Washington state Department of Health on Wednesday.
“Scammers may use high-pressure tactics to force you to make a donation. Take your time and ask the right questions to make sure they are a legitimate organization before you give them your money,” Wyman said.
Ferguson and Wyman said the easiest ways to avoid being scammed are not to give in to pressure to instantly donate, do your research and check and see if the charity is registered with the state.
If the organization is registered, you can review its tax status and financial records. If it’s not, you are asked to contact the secretary of state’s Charities Program at 1-800-332-4483.
You can also check a charity’s rating by the Better Business Bureau here.