Avoiding Gulf Coast Oil Spill Charity Frauds and Job Scams

[Evelyn Kanter]

The good guys are volunteering and working overtime to undo the damage of the BP oil spill, the worst environmental disaster US history. Beware of frauds. The bad guys are out there scamming instead of skimming.

Job scams — One fraud is asking you to pay up front for a job helping clean up the mess. Jobs available directly with BP are posted on the BP website. Or register for a job on the official websites of the states of Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas or Mississippi. If you have been recruited by a company that claims to have a contract with BP, The Better Business Bureau recommends that you research the business fully and try to confirm with BP that they are a legitimate employer for the oil spill clean up. Always be wary of companies that require you to pay an upfront fee.

Claim scam -- The FTC also is warning against phony claims adjusters who ask for fees to expedite services. The toll-free BP claims line is 1-800-440-0858. The line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or you can file a claim on the BP website. Additionally, there are many claims offices along the Gulf Coast.

Charity frauds — It always happens. After any disaster, the creeps come out of the woodwork to take advantage by setting up phony charities, including with names that sound like — oh, so close — to legitimate, reputable charities. Before you give, check with charity watchdogs like Charity Navigator and The Better Business Bureau. Here is a list of charities that meet BBB Wise Giving standards and are working in the Gulf Coast to help the people, the wildlife and the land itself. You certainly can find a charity you like on this A-List of good guys.

American Bird Conservancy
Defenders of Wildlife
Ducks Unlimited
EarthShare
Environmental Defense Fund
Friends of the Earth
Greenpeace Fund
International Fund for Animal Welfare
National Audubon Society
National Wildlife Federation
Natural Resources Defense Council
Nature Conservancy
Oceana

Give with your heart — but use your head. Make sure your hard-earned money goes to a reputable, honest charity.

[David Paul Appell]

Good pointers, Evelyn. It's sad that tragedy always brings out the scum like this, but there are more good people in the world than bad.