RCMP advises public: Donate wisely to aid Katrina victims

OTTAWA - September 2, 2005 - In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Canadians may be approached to donate funds to various assistance and relief efforts. The RCMP would like to remind Canadian citizens and businesses to take care when making donations that the organizations involved are reputable.

“While cash donations are very helpful in situations like Hurricane Katrina, it's a sad fact that unscrupulous people may try to profit from the pain and suffering of others by approaching well-meaning Canadians for donations, “ said Sgt. Claude Couturier, Manager RCMP Fraud Complaints Analysis.

There is a possibility that these types of scams may surface given the recent events in the US. Those wishing to make charitable donations are advised to keep the following pointers in mind:

• Give wisely to charities and organizations you know and trust. (A reminder that if you donate to a Canadian registered charity, you can qualify for a tax receipt. For more information, go to www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/charities)
• Watch out for scammers using sound-alike names similar to legitimate organizations.
• If you have any concerns, you can find out whether a Canadian organization is a registered charity by checking the Canada Revenue Agency Web site at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charities.

Those who feel they may have been victimized by a scam charity are advised to call the PhoneBusters National Call Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

Information is also available on the RCMP Web site at http://www.rcmp.ca/scams/index_e.htm.

For RCMP media inquiries, please call:
RCMP Media Relations
(613) 993-2999

For Phonebusters media inquiries, please call:
Det/S/Sgt. Barry Elliott
Co-ordinator of PhoneBusters
(705) 494-3624

For Canada Revenue Agency media inquiries, please call:
Colette Gentes-Hawn
(613) 957-3522