South Dakotans Being Warned to Beware of Hurricane Helene Scams
Nothing like a good natural disaster to create a window of opportunity for professional scammers.
That's why South Dakotans are being warned right now to be on the lookout for potential Hurricane Helene scammers attempting to relieve you of your money and personal information.
Dakota News Now is reporting that South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is sounding the alert at the moment reminding South Dakotans to make sure they only donate to reputable organizations that are actually raising funds for this disaster.
According to Jackley if you're asked to donate, always keep the following things in mind:
- Only give money to legitimate relief organizations such as the Red Cross, etc.
- Remember that organizations, including government agencies, do not ask for money by telephone or over the Internet.
- Do not click pop-up messages that appear on computers or text messages on telephones from unknown sources. In most cases, those are links for scammers to gain access to your personal information.
- Always talk to someone you can trust before you provide money or personal information to someone who contacts you looking for donations.
- 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. It's smart to hang up and call the organization’s office to ensure the organization is 100% reputable.
- Always be suspicious of calls or emails demanding immediate action.
- Do not succumb to high-pressure sales tactics.
- Never provide financial or personal information over the phone or via the Internet.
If you believe someone is trying to scam you, or god forbid you've fallen victim to a scam you need to contact the the Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or online right away.
Source: Dakota News Now
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