Scammers are on the lookout, searching for ways to take advantage of your generosity and your wish to help struggling Ukrainians under attack by Russia.
”Scammers are scammers,” said Craig R. Johnson, tax partner at Holman Freeman Allison in Lakewood. ”When a big catastrophe or a pandemic of any sort strikes, they focus on the elderly the most and those who normally do donate.”
They follow the headlines, said Rachel Auerbach, a spokesperson with AARP New Jersey.
“Scammers try to put us in a heightened emotional state when our decision-making can be compromised, which they refer to as ‘under the ether.'” she said. “The public desire to support Ukraine in this critical time of need is no exception.”
Story continues below gallery
‘It’s really scary’:Toms River native struggles to contact Ukrainian friends, students
Helping Ukraine:Point Pleasant Beach mayor headed to Poland-Ukraine border to help refugees
‘It makes me terrified’:NJ Ukrainian group pleads in Trenton for state help to end war
How to keep from getting scammed?
The New Jersey Society of CPAs is warning residents to be careful and do some research before you donate.
Of course, there are the basics, steps you should always take to protect yourself. Never donate money over the telephone, don’t click on links in emails and don’t respond to high-pressure tactics to get you to pay right away. (Just hang up the telephone.)
Instead, remember there’s no rush. A legitimate charity will accept your money whenever you…
