By the time you read this, you all will heard about the horrific earthquake that took place in Haiti two days ago. I'm not going to go into the gory details but I'm going to pass on some information about how you can help.
The U.S. State Department Operations Center said Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti should call 1-888-407-4747. Due to heavy volume, some callers may receive a recording. "Our embassy is still in the early stages of contacting American citizens through our Warden Network", the U.S. State Department said in a statement. "Communications are very difficult within Haiti at this time."
For those interested in helping immediately, simply text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10.00 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.
Finally, the FBI urges people who are looking for ways to help with earthquake relief to be wary of solicitations that could be from scam artists.
Past tragedies and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization or a good cause," the FBI said and they are passing along these tips:
1. Ignore unsolicited e-mails and do not click on links within those messages.
2. Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as surviving victims or officials asking for donations via email or social networking sites.
3. Be cautious of emails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files, because the files may contain computer viruses. Open attachments only from know senders.
4. Decline to give personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions.
5. Make contributions directly to known organizations, rather than relying on others who claim in emails that they will channel the donation to established groups.
It's unfortunate that we have individuals who try to take advantage of well-meaning people during a tragedy but, that's the world we live in today. What are you gonna do but use some common sense... mix it with your compassion.
Pray for these people, pray for those in the United States who have relatives and friends trapped over there as I write this, and pray for Haiti.
The U.S. State Department Operations Center said Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti should call 1-888-407-4747. Due to heavy volume, some callers may receive a recording. "Our embassy is still in the early stages of contacting American citizens through our Warden Network", the U.S. State Department said in a statement. "Communications are very difficult within Haiti at this time."
For those interested in helping immediately, simply text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10.00 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.
Finally, the FBI urges people who are looking for ways to help with earthquake relief to be wary of solicitations that could be from scam artists.
Past tragedies and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization or a good cause," the FBI said and they are passing along these tips:
1. Ignore unsolicited e-mails and do not click on links within those messages.
2. Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as surviving victims or officials asking for donations via email or social networking sites.
3. Be cautious of emails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files, because the files may contain computer viruses. Open attachments only from know senders.
4. Decline to give personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions.
5. Make contributions directly to known organizations, rather than relying on others who claim in emails that they will channel the donation to established groups.
It's unfortunate that we have individuals who try to take advantage of well-meaning people during a tragedy but, that's the world we live in today. What are you gonna do but use some common sense... mix it with your compassion.
Pray for these people, pray for those in the United States who have relatives and friends trapped over there as I write this, and pray for Haiti.
18 comments:
Good advice on all fronts. First we must pray for the people of Haiti and then give for their aid. The cautions about electronic solicitations is very helpful. Bless you, Keith and this entire world.
Great Post as usual,Sorry I missed
this the other day!
Thanks for shedding light on this subject Keith!
I'm trying to call some of my relatives now...Pray for me and for them also.
@Simon-Our prayers are with you bruh!
Good Post..I knew you'd be on it!
I'm giving to Wyclef's foundation!
Thanks for the pointers!
I'm so glad the world community is pulling together to help this nation after this tragedy.
Good Advice Keith, Good Article..Helpful and informative as usual!
Sorry I didn't see this earlier, Good Post and very helpful suggestions.
What a week this has been...Great post brother Keith!
Good Post Man!
When I heard the news, but more so when I saw the devestation ,I was speechless...I'm giving to the Red Cross and to Wyclef Jean's foundation...My god..haven't those people suffered enough?
Good informative post fam...I'm already in contact with some organizations that I feel are credible that are trying to help.
Once again man, you on it!
This was a terrible tragedy...Just terrible. My heart goes out to all of my Haitian friends here ,desperately trying to get in contact with family and friends.
Thanks Keith for taking the time to make everybody aware of how they can help and what to avoid!
I've sent money to Wyclef Jean..He's been advocating for Haiti long before these tragedies.
Good Post Keith!
Post a Comment