Chicago — In response to the destruction caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued a warning to Illinois residents about potential scams related to hurricane relief donations. Raoul emphasized the importance of verifying charitable organizations before making contributions.
“I want to urge Illinoisans donating to relief efforts to take the time to look into the charitable organization before donating,” Raoul stated. “Taking that extra step will help ensure your donations reach legitimate causes that directly contribute to helping the people affected by these devastating storms.”
Raoul advised donors to confirm whether a charity is providing direct aid or raising funds for other groups. He suggested giving directly to charities with a presence in the affected region and recommended asking questions about how donations will be used.
He also cautioned against in-kind donations such as clothing or food unless an organization has the necessary infrastructure for distribution. Donors should inquire about transportation and distribution plans, particularly from groups inexperienced in relief assistance.
Attorney General Raoul offered several tips for ensuring donations are used appropriately:
- Verify charity recommendations on social media independently.
- Inquire about how much of a donation goes directly to the charity versus fundraising costs.
- Be cautious of charities with names similar to well-known organizations.
- Confirm whether a charity is registered with the Illinois Attorney General’s office.
- Avoid online solicitations from unfamiliar charities and be wary of spam emails.
- Use secure payment methods like checks or credit cards instead of cash or peer-to-peer apps.
- Be skeptical of high-pressure tactics or requests for cash payments.
Raoul encourages reporting suspicious solicitations by contacting his office’s Charitable Trust Bureau at 312-814-2595 or through the Attorney General’s website. He also advises keeping detailed notes on any solicitation interactions.
Under Illinois law, fundraisers and charitable organizations must register annually with the Attorney General’s office. Information on these organizations, including income and expenditures, is available on the Attorney General’s website.