Do Not Donate Money to Groups You Do Not Know

The public is being warned about thieves who steal from people who want to give money to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The federal government has the following advice to make sure your donations get to the hurricane victims:

• Beware of e-mails asking for money on behalf of well-known charity groups. There are many Web sites that say they are raising money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, but they may not be real.   Do not click on any link in an e-mail that is asking for money.   You may be giving your personal information to people who want to steal your identity.             For example, if you get an e-mail from the Red Cross, close the e-mail.   Instead, go to the Red Cross Web site, or phone the Red Cross office in your town.
• Give to charities you have given to before.   For a list of honest groups, visit   and click on “How You Can Help.”  
• Do not give to very new charity groups. They may be well-meaning, but may not be able to provide assistance.
• Do not give out your Social Security number or credit card and bank account numbers to anyone asking for a contribution from you. Scam artists use this information to steal from you.
• Do not mail cash.   Write a check or buy a cashier's check from your bank. Write the official name of the charity on your check.

Visit FirstGov.gov, which is the official Web site of the U.S. government to learn more about relief efforts and other important Hurricane Katrina information.

Or, just call toll-free 1 (800) FED - INFO (that's 1-800-333-4636).   You can speak to someone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.