Want to help Haitians? Be careful of scams!

Posted on 15 January 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

If you are interested in donating money to help Haitians, be careful to check that the organization is legit.

Here is a link to a Fox News story.  I am sure there is other coverage from different outlets.

Sapienti pauca.

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Fr. Z is the guy who runs this blog. o{]:¬)
This entry was posted in SESSIUNCULA. Bookmark the permalink.

8 Responses to Want to help Haitians? Be careful of scams!

  1. Girgadis says:
    15 January 2010 at 6:18 pm

    I’m not sure I understand the logic in paying a $10 surcharge to donate via a cell phone when one can donate safely online or over the phone to organizations like Catholic Relief Services, which already had an aid organization on the ground before the earthquake struck.

  2. Frank H says:
    15 January 2010 at 6:40 pm

    Girgadis – I don’t think it’s a surcharge. I believe the $10 goes to the relief effort, and is billed to you via your cell phone bill. Seems pretty convenient.

  3. Girgadis says:
    15 January 2010 at 6:54 pm

    Frank H

    Someone sent me an email earlier saying I could donate via text message and would see a $10 charge on my next phone bill. I guess I misunderstood. Thanks for clarifying.

  4. Padre Steve says:
    15 January 2010 at 7:24 pm

    If you want your money to go directly to helping Haitian children then click here:
    http://salesianity.blogspot.com/2010/01/face-of-haitis-children.html
    Our Salesian missions does a lot of good work in Haiti and they will put the money to good use in Catholic schools and hospitals. God bless these poor people.

  5. MikeM says:
    15 January 2010 at 11:16 pm

    I think CRS takes donations by text message, too.

  6. Fr. John Zuhlsdorf says:
    16 January 2010 at 7:57 am

    I understand that donating through text message can be delayed by the phone company until your bill is paid. I suppose money will also be needed later as well.

  7. Federico says:
    16 January 2010 at 10:11 am

    Adding to Padre Steve, here’s another reputable way to help Haiti:
    http://www.malteser.de/61.Malteser_International/en/default_en.htm

    You can donate right online.

  8. Aaron says:
    16 January 2010 at 12:08 pm

    Padre Steve and Federico, thank you for the suggestions. Our bulletin for this Sunday says we’ll be having a second collection for Haiti, but it will go through the USCCB. I’m glad to hear there are reputable alternatives.