Troubleshooter: Beware charity and energy company scams
DURHAM (WTVD) -- Disasters like the earthquake in Nepal trigger scam concerns. Plus, a call from your local power company that you need to hang up on.
The images of the earthquake in Nepal are powerful and the devastation is real. While help is greatly needed in Nepal, scammers are out there trying to capitalize on the tragedy.
If you want to give, here are some tips to avoid the charity scams.
- Avoid pushy telemarketers that won't answer your questions. Some telemarketers keep up to 90 percent of the money they collect for charities, instead give directly to the real charity.
- Be careful of unsolicited emails, text messages and social media requests for donations, while they sound legit, you want to donate where you can verify your donation went to a specific charity.
- Don't give cash. It can be stolen. For security and tax purposes, it's best to pay by credit card or check.
It's good to give, but you want to make sure your donation does directly to those in need.
Click here for a complete list of Nepal Earthquake charities.
Besides watching out for charity scams, be on guard for a call that threatens to shut off your power.
Scammers are working around the clock claiming to be Duke Energy and ready to pull the plug on your electricity if you don't pay up.
Homeowners and businesses are getting these calls. The scammers demand that you pay off the bill with a prepaid debit card.
Despite the caller ID showing Duke Energy and the answering service stating it is Duke Energy, this is a scam.
Simply, hang up the phone and do not pay anything.
