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BBB warns of crowdfunding scams after Notre Dame Cathedral fire

Across the globe, people are in shock over the fire that severely damaged Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Now that the fire is out, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) says they’ve seen crowding funding efforts to raise money for the repair of the historic building, but they’re advising people to wait to donate.

“Before you send money, be sure donations are going to an official Notre Dame rebuilding fund and not into the hands of scammers,” says BBB.

“Facebook pages and crowdfunding campaigns requesting donations always spring up in the wake of disasters like the Notre Dame fire,” they explain. “Some fundraising efforts are outright scams: con artists pocket the donations or use scam donation forms to collect banking information. Others are created by well-meaning people or groups.”

Omg 😱Notre-Dame is burning 🔥

A post shared by Romain Paris 🇫🇷 (@gl0be_trotter) on

BBB adds that they may intend to do good with the donations, but they lack the infrastructure required.

Still, others are "click bait" designed to create a large number of followers that can later be sold to a new page owner. If the fundraiser isn't associated with official channels, resist the urge to donate.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance suggests that donors keep the following tips in mind to help avoid questionable appeals for Notre Dame rebuilding and future causes:

  • Verify the trustworthiness of soliciting relief organizations. Visit Give.org to access free reports that specify if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
  • Don't rush to donate: Rebuilding will take time. It's best to wait until more details emerge about which official entities are raising funds to assist the rebuilding.
  • Find out if the charity is providing direct aid or is raising money for other groups. Some charities may be raising money to pass along to relief organizations. If so, you may want to consider "avoiding the middleman" and give directly to charities that have a presence in the region.



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