Scammers Pose As Charities For Boston Bombing Victims

If you are planning to give a donation to help people affected by this week’s bombings at the Boston Marathon – beware.

The Wisconsin Justice Department and FBI are among the agencies warning of likely scams online, over the phone, or by mail.

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection spokesman Jared Albracht says a lot of false information could be sent through social media accounts: “If they’re talking about having exclusive video or photos, trying to drive people to websites where may be able to pass off malicious software to victims.”

Albracht says it is wise for people to stick with established charities. He says it’s hard for people to recover money if they’ve been scammed.

Two sites to check for reliable charities are give.org and charitynavigator.org.