FBI warns of Haiti donation scams

January 15, 2010 8:08 AM

(NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Some big names in entertainment are pitching in to help the earthquake victims.

Wyclef Jean is in his homeland of Haiti working with his charity organization to distribute aid, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have donated a million dollars to Doctors Without Borders and George Clooney is asking all his celebrity friends to come together for a telethon fund raiser next week. It's expected to air next Friday on most major networks.

Some people in West Michigan are looking to donate money and items so they can help the earthquake victims, but you have to be careful about where you send your donations.

The FBI says scammers are using the Internet to do their dirty work. They're doing it through email and sites like Facebook and Twitter, playing on the emotional pictures coming out of the earthquake ravaged country.

The Better Business Bureau has some tips if you're looking to make a donation. They say to go directly to a charity's Web site or call them. Do not click on any links you may get in an email or a Facebook message.

Also, be aware of charities claiming to send 100-percent of aid to Haiti.

It also helps to stick with organizations you know.

We have a list of legitimate charities on our Web site.