Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

Be wary of potential scams related to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. While there are many legitimate relief organizations, consumer scams tend to pop up after a natural disaster. Here are a few tips for charitable giving:

• Donate to reputable charities rather than ones you don't recognize.
• Don't judge a charity by its name. False charities use names that closely resemble the real thing.
• Don't let callers play on your sympathy.
• Don't be pressured. Give only when you are comfortable with the charity.
• Avoid cash donations; make checks payable to the organization, not the individual you are speaking with.
• Internet scams may emerge on social media and through unsolicited emails.
• Be cautious of social media postings, emails and websites claiming to have exclusive video or pleading for donations. The postings often include malicious code that attempts to infect your computer with viruses, spyware or Trojan horses.