Washington Protects Wildfire Donors From Charity Scams

When disaster strikes, scammers often arrive before the help does, but Washington state just made it harder for them to prey on generosity.

Attorney General Nick Brown and Secretary of State Steve Hobbs launched a coordinated response to protect donors wanting to help Spokane wildfire victims. Their new Disaster Relief Center verifies charities before directing donations, ensuring money reaches people who actually need it.

The system comes as firefighting and utility crews battle blazes across Spokane County. Thousands of Washingtonians want to contribute, but officials warn that fake charities and impostor organizations often emerge during crises, using high-pressure tactics to steal donations meant for victims.

Now donors can verify any charity through the Washington Secretary of State's office, where legitimate organizations must register by law. The registration reveals how much donated money actually goes toward charitable purposes, giving contributors confidence their dollars will make a difference.

State employees can donate through the Combined Fund Drive with one-time or recurring payments. Everyone else can visit the verified charity database to find registered organizations actively helping on the ground.

The Ripple Effect

The protection extends beyond just stopping scams. Spokane Public Schools and the Innovia Foundation created an online hub at spokanecommunityresources.org, connecting volunteers with opportunities to help directly.

Spokane School District Superintendent Adam Swinyard says people are showing up "in droves" wanting to assist. The resource hub channels that overwhelming goodwill into effective action, matching willing hands with real needs.

The attorney general's office encourages residents to report suspicious fundraisers immediately, creating a protective network around vulnerable donors and disaster victims alike. Officials specifically warn about crowdsourcing websites, which operate without the same regulations as registered charities.

Washington's response shows how government can act as a force multiplier for community generosity, transforming scattered goodwill into organized, verified assistance that actually reaches those suffering.