BBB Offers Tips for Giving To Ecuador Earthquake Relief

With hundreds killed and thousands injured by the devastating earthquake in Ecuador, generous Americans are already seeking ways to support those in need through donations.

However, the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance has advised donors to avoid being taken advantage of by questionable solicitations or wasting their money on poorly managed relief efforts.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance President and CEO H. Art Taylor said that while it is wonderful people want to help, donors need to follow some key rules about supporting disaster relief so that their gifts get to those who need them most.

The Wise Giving Alliance offers donors these tips for disaster relief giving.

First, be cautious when giving online and be cautious about spam messages and emails that claim to link to a relief organization. The Alliance says that anyone who wants to give to a charity involved in relief efforts should go directly to the charity’s website.

Second, rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity by researching organizations.

The BBB said people should also be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims because charities will have fund raising and administrative costs.

Other tips include finding out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas and finding out if the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups.

Finally, people are encouraged to ask a charity about its transportation and distribution plans for donations of food or clothing and be wary of charities not experienced in disaster relief assistance.