Illinois Attorney General Warns Donors About Hurricane Relief Scams

CHICAGO — Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning residents to be cautious of scams tied to Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in the Caribbean. Raoul advised donors to research charities before giving, verify how donations will be used, and avoid high-pressure solicitations, cash payments, or peer-to-peer apps. Potential donors are encouraged to give directly to organizations with a presence in the affected region, ask questions about administrative costs and distribution plans, and use secure payment methods such as checks or credit cards. Raoul’s office provides a Charitable Trust Database with information on registered charities and urges anyone who encounters suspicious solicitations to report them online or by calling 312-814-2595.