WINK SMART: How to verify legitimacy of donation sites following Venezuelan earthquakes

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK) — In the days following the heartache and destruction in Venezuela, there is a growing cry for relief efforts to help affected families, but it comes with a new warning.

While there are so many people who want to lend a hand, bad actors take advantage.

The Federal Trade Commission is issuing a warning about new fraudulent schemes targeting those hoping to donate to the country's rebuilding.

Often, following major disasters, the FTC says fraudsters make fake charities or misleading donation campaigns.

For anyone thinking about donating, keep these FTC tips in mind.

Cash donations work best because it is fast, flexible, and provide an effective response. Always verify before donating and make sure the organization is a trusted, legitimate resource. If anything seems suspicious, do not donate to it. 

The FTC also says to send material aid, like clothing and food, only if it's specifically requested and there is a clear process for how it will be delivered.

Here are a few signs a site may be fake:

• Typos in a charity's posts or messages

• Social media accounts created immediately after the tragedy

• Requests for payment by gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer

When it comes to verification, there are a few ways to quickly confirm if a site or an organization is legitimate. 

First, check if the organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which means it has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as qualifying for tax-exempt status.

When navigating online platforms, use Charity Navigator. It will rate the organization based on factors such as accountability and financial management.