Haiti Relief Fund Fraud

I have read several stories about how fraudulent websites had been set up within hours of the catastrophic earthquakes in Haiti. I do not understand why these scammers feel the need to rob from someone who is willing to help others in need. Do they have no moral compass? Are they just trying to make a few quick bucks?

Scammers have tried everything from fraudulent websites and messages sent using social networking sites to going door to door and asking for donations. A man going door-to-door in Michigan was arrested by the FBI. He was impersonating an FBI Agent and asking for monetary donations for the Haitian children.

Please be aware of scammers if you have donated or are planning to donate to Haitian relief or any other charities. I found a site on how to avoid these scams. I think the most important tips are to donate to well established organizations and don't donate directly to an individual. If you suspect fraud, you can also call the National Disaster Fraud Hotline given in USA Today. If you don't want to check it out the number is 1-866-720-5721.

If any of these criminals are caught, I think they should be made to serve time helping in the Haiti relief efforts and/or other disaster sites. It would be better for them to be made to help others than for them to sit in prison and be served.