OLYMPIA — Secretary of State Kim Wyman and Attorney General Bob Ferguson warned citizens to be careful of scam artists who could play on a fear of Ebola.
Con artists often use natural disasters and health scares to convince people to give to charities, according to the two officials.
“When there is a natural disaster or health-care emergency, scam artists unfortunately try to take advantage of people’s compassion or fear,” Wyman said. “In regards to Ebola, scammers might try to lure consumers into giving money for a cure for Ebola. We hope people think carefully when they come across Ebola-related charities.”
Officials urge consumers to be suspicious of those asking for immediate donations. Don’t give cash and write a check directly to a charity. Consider giving to give.org, run by the Council of Better Business Bureaus. Also be wary of sympathetic-sounding names or charities that sounds similar to other legitimate nonprofits. Never give your credit card information out over the phone.
