Millions of dollars have poured in from all across the country for the relief effort in New York and Washington, D.C.
But Call 4 Action reporter Susan Koeppen says to beware because people are trying to take advantage of your generosity.
Koeppen has two warnings: one targeting people who are worried about their investments and another warning about fund-raising scams.
State securities regulators are trying to protect people from buying into bogus investments. They are warning about people calling investors and offering off-shore investments in safe havens.
You should also be on the lookout for ads or Internet postings that tout commodities, exotic financial products or anti-terrorist technologies.
If you want to check on an investment, you can contact the Pennsylvania Securities Commission at
800-600-0007. You can find out if a seller is licensed and if the investment is registered.
For the name and telephone number of all state regulators,
click here.
Fake Charities Looking For Money
Koeppen also is warning about fake charities that are looking for money.
If you are giving money via a Web site, make sure the site is secure.
Beware if someone contacts you by e-mail and asks for money. Check out the organization first.
If someone calls you on the phone, ask for a phone number where you can call them back. Then decide if you want to donate.
Also, beware of organizations with similar sounding names. One could be real and the other could just be looking to take your money.
If you need information about a charity, you can call the Association of Fundraising Professionals at
800-666-3863 or visit their
Web site.
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