Department of the Attorney General urges donors to verify charities before giving to disaster relief efforts

In the wake of Hurricane Lala, individuals and groups across Hawaiʻi are launching crowdfunding campaigns and other fundraising efforts to support those affected. The Tax & Charities Division within the Department of the Attorney General is asking donors to do their homework before contributing to or organizing any relief fundraiser.

Before giving, residents should confirm a charity’s status using the following resources:

• Hawaiʻi Attorney General: https://charity.ehawaii.gov/charity/welcome.html
• IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/
• Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org/
• DCCA Business Search: https://hbe.dcca.hawaii.gov

Additional guidance on spotting fraudulent social media and crowdfunding appeals is available on the Federal Trade Commission website. The department also recommends donors take the following precautions:

• Verify who organized the campaign and give only to fundraisers run by people you personally know and trust.
• Trace where the donation link leads and check with the person who shared it to confirm they have a real connection to the charity or organizer.
• Look for clear answers to the following before contributing:
  • Destination: Who ultimately receives the donation?
  • Fees: Does the platform or organizer deduct any fees before the funds are passed along?
  • Timeline: How long will it take for the charity to receive the funds?
  • Contingency: What happens to the donation if it cannot be delivered to the intended charity?
  • Privacy: Could a donor’s personal information be shared with the charity or other third parties?

If a charity cannot answer these questions clearly, donors should consider giving directly to an established, registered charity instead.

The department also reminds individuals and businesses planning a fundraising event – such as selling T-shirts or merchandise, or staging a 5k run or other athletic event – on behalf of a charity, that state law requires written consent from that charity before the event takes place. Consent forms can be submitted to the Department of the Attorney General through its online form.

Charities, in turn, should confirm that any fundraiser conducted in their name has been properly authorized. Charities are also reminded to comply with registration and reporting requirements under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 467B. Further details are posted on the Tax & Charities Division website.

To report a suspected charity scam or a questionable fundraiser, contact the Tax & Charities Division at 808-586-1480 or ATG.Charities@hawaii.gov.