WA Attorney General Helps Donors Support Fire Victims Safely

When wildfires devastated Spokane and other Washington communities, people across the state opened their hearts and wallets to help. Now Attorney General Nick Brown is stepping in with practical advice to ensure every dollar reaches families in need.

"The destruction in Spokane is heartbreaking, and generous people across our state want to help," Brown said. His office released guidelines this week to protect donors from charity scams that often emerge during disasters.

The safest way to help is donating directly to the City of Spokane's H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund, which is collecting money specifically for wildfire victims. Direct giving ensures your contribution goes exactly where you intend.

For those choosing other charities, Brown's team recommends checking registrations through the Secretary of State's office. While registration isn't an endorsement, it reveals key details like where organizations are based and how much they spend on actual charitable work.

Watch for red flags like high pressure tactics demanding immediate donations or requests for sensitive personal information. Scammers often create fake websites with names eerily similar to legitimate charities, hoping donors won't notice slight spelling differences.

QR codes deserve extra caution. While convenient, fraudsters use them to redirect donations to fake fundraisers. Always verify the URL on your screen starts with "https" before clicking.

The Bright Side

Crowdfunding platforms offer another way to help individual families, but come with different rules. Donations go directly to organizers who control how funds are distributed, and these gifts aren't tax deductible like charity donations.

Before giving through crowdfunding, research the organizer with a simple web search. If the fundraiser claims to benefit a specific charity, consider donating directly to that organization instead.

The Attorney General's office provides detailed guidance on their website for anyone wanting to dig deeper. If something feels suspicious, donors can report it through the Consumer Protection Division's online form.

Washington's response to the Spokane fires shows the best of community spirit, with neighbors helping neighbors rebuild their lives. These smart giving practices ensure that generosity translates into real help for families starting over.