Better Business Bureau warns of Valley Fire donation scams

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- Natural disasters like the Valley Fire bring so much tragedy. There are online efforts to help victims of the blaze burning in Sonoma, Napa and Lake counties.

Donations of supplies have been pouring in to groups across the North Bay and now the Red Cross and local community groups are asking for cash donations.

PHOTOS: Crews battle massive Valley Fire

The devastation has many folks wanting to give right away but the Better Business Bureau says to check out a charity first. Though it has not confirmed any scams yet, they are almost inevitable during a disaster.

"Of course you want to donate from the heart right now. You want to give as quickly as possible. The biggest thing we tell people is to always do your research first and don't give right away," Better Business Bureau's Jarrod Wise said.

If you see a crowdfunding campaign for a fire victim, make sure it's real.

PHOTOS: ABC7 News at the Valley Fire

There have been cases where con artists pretend to know a victim then keep the money they raise.

The BBB says to ask questions. "Do they really know that family? Is the money really going to go to help? So be careful reallt about that because scams can pop up on those sites," Wise said.

They have a website called Give.org that lists legitimate charities.

DONATIONS: How to help victims of the Valley Fire where you live

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