Concerns About Donation Scams Emerge Amid Fiery Devastation in Los Angeles

The wildfires in Los Angeles County have devastated many, but amidst the chaos, scammers see an opportunity to prey on the benevolent.

At a Glance

The Pacific Palisades fire has resulted in widespread evacuations and destruction.
FEMA and local organizations have rushed to provide aid.
Officials are warning about scammers exploiting the disaster to deceive generous donors.
Vetting charities can help prevent financial exploitation.

The Wildfire Devastation

The wildfire in Pacific Palisades has forced over 30,000 residents to flee as it engulfs more than 2,900 acres. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) admitted federal aid, offering crucial support like Fire Management Assistance Grants. Multiple organizations, including The Red Cross, California Fire Foundation, The Salvation Army, and Direct Relief, have mobilized resources to assist fire victims. Many GoFundMe campaigns emerged, aiming to raise funds for affected families and individuals.

Authorities caution against fraudulent actors exploiting the tragedy. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and non-English speakers, are frequent targets. Numerous organizations have issued warnings to verify the legitimacy of donations.

Scammers often like to take advantage of generous people looking to help out others in the wake of natural disasters like the multiple wildfires across the Los Angeles area. https://t.co/UHLNtOM60F

— WNEP (@WNEP) January 9, 2025

Identifying Trustworthy Charities

Officials warn that people be diligent about where their contributions go—whether directly to victims, charities, or specific causes. Crowdfunding sites may not clearly define how funds are allocated, and contributions to individuals aren’t eligible for tax deductions. Donations to certified 501(c)(3) charities are deductible. Utilizing platforms like Charity Navigator or GuideStar can help determine the legitimacy of charitable organizations.

“We have people with big hearts who want to help, they want to donate, they want to support the victims. We also see scammers who are taking advantage of that goodness and that generosity and scamming and defrauding those individuals,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said, referring to the risks of donor scams related to the LA fires.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell advises thorough research of charities. Reputable organizations frequently provide transparent details on their missions and past successes. It’s crucial to use secure, trackable payment methods for donations.

Combating Scam Attempts

The Los Angeles County Sheriff and local law enforcement pledge to prosecute scammers who exploit the fire tragedy for financial gain. Suspected scams should be promptly reported to authorities. Bonta emphasizes accountability for those defrauding disaster victims, reinforcing that exploiting tragedy for profit will yield serious repercussions. Bonta’s office remains vigilant in prosecuting offenders who target the generosity of kind-hearted individuals looking to support fire victims.

“To anyone who would go out and take advantage of this tragedy for their greedy gain, who would further victimize people who have potentially lost everything, who are already victims, who would look at this devastation and see dollar signs, I have a message for you: You will be held accountable. My office will be engaged to hold you accountable,” Bonta said.

As the state battles the devastation, advocacy for honest intentions and careful vetting of charitable efforts remains a priority. The resolve of genuine donors and vigilant authorities seeks to provide genuine relief and expose opportunistic deceit.