Doe advises the public to be cautious and vigilant when donating to charities, urging them to research the organization and ensure its legitimacy before making any contributions. He highlights the importance of verifying the charity's registration status and checking if it has a history of transparency and effective use of funds.
The state attorney general's office has already received reports of suspicious charities soliciting donations for Maui wildfire relief. Doe urges individuals to be on the lookout for red flags such as high-pressure tactics, requests for cash donations only, or organizations that refuse to provide information about their programs and how funds will be utilized.
In this time of crisis, it is crucial to support legitimate organizations that will make a meaningful impact on the affected communities. Doe's reminder serves as a vital cautionary measure to ensure that generosity is not taken advantage of during challenging times.