01/16/2025
BALTIMORE, MD (January 15, 2025) – Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is warning consumers to beware of fraudulent charities and scams when donating to the relief efforts to help ease the devastating impact of multiple wildfires that are currently burning large swaths of the Los Angeles region in California.
Many individuals are eager to help those affected by this unprecedented disaster by making donations. Unfortunately, scam artists often take advantage of disasters like these to set up fake charities and exploit your goodwill, so you'll want to be on the lookout for fraudulent charities and other scams.
Before donating any money to a charitable organization, check to see if the charity in which you are interested is registered with the Maryland Secretary of State’s Public Registry. Donate to well-known national or local charities with experience in disaster relief. Several websites (such as GuideStar and Charity Navigator) provide information on an organization’s financials, mission statements, and more. This information may help you decide how to divide up your giving. Bogus charities frequently use names and logos that are slightly changed but resemble well-known, legitimate organizations.