OTTUMWA -- With thousands of people still missing and even more displaced by the earthquake in Japan, Americans are doing what they can to help out.
However, not all relief efforts are real. Fact finder discovered some safe ways to donate to charities.
One of the ways to donate is going to the Salvation Army's website. You can also use your cell phone you can text "Japan" to 80888 to donate ten dollars.
People can also donate using social networks to make a difference to survivors.
“Nowadays with all the modern conveniences they can go online,” said Captain Paul Ferguson of the Ottumwa Salvation Army. “They can go on Facebook and find, just look for the Salvation Army USA and that will direct them through on Facebook or again regular e-mail. That’s a really handy way to do it.”
Here's some tips to help you avoid being taken advantage of.
Do not respond to unsolicited calls or e-mails. Do your homework by checking the charity by using sites like www.charitynavigator.org to learn more about the organization. If you dontate online make sure the transaction is secure. A website with the prefix “https:” means it is secure.
“If somebody comes to your door and they say they're from the Salvation Army that's not true. We don't door-to-door solicit. If somebody comes to your door make sure that they have proper I.D. and that they have a supervisor that can be contacted."
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