South Dakotans are a very generous group of human beings. This has been proved time and time again. But sometimes, being generous can be detrimental to your well-being if you fall victim to a scam.
Dakota News Now is reporting that the Attorney General’s office is warning South Dakotans about donation scams centered around relief for the Texas floods.
Attorney General Marty Jackley is advising people to “trust your instincts” when it comes to flood relief efforts.
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has reminders for people wanting to donate to help Texas flood victims.
- Only give money to legitimate relief organizations like the Red Cross
- Organizations, including government agencies, do not ask for money by telephone or on the Internet.
- Do not click on pop-up messages that appear on computers or text messages on telephones from unknown sources.
- Talk to someone you can trust before you provide money or personal information to someone who contacts you.
- Check and double-check email addresses if they are asking you to send money.
- If the caller represents a business or government agency, don’t trust the telephone number they give you. Hang up and call the organization’s office.
- Treat calls or emails demanding immediate action with suspicion.
- Do not give in to high-pressure sales tactics.
- Do not provide financial or personal information over the phone or via the Internet.
If you believe you’ve been scammed or you have questions, you can visit the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection website, or call 1-800-300-1986…