Statement By Attorney General Eliot Spitzer Regarding Tsunami Relief Efforts

The devastation caused by the Indian Ocean tsunami is almost beyond our imagination. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the millions of people in South Asia and Africa who have been affected by this tragedy, and who will continue to face extreme hardships in the weeks and months ahead.

The immediate outpouring of financial support from individuals across the U.S. has been truly remarkable. As it did after September 11th, the American public is demonstrating its great generosity in offering assistance to those who are suffering. These financial contributions will provide food, medical assistance, clothing and shelter to those in need.

Unfortunately, past experience also shows that some unscrupulous individuals will try to take advantage of this tragedy. These individuals will try to obtain money for themselves by falsely claiming that donations will be used for those affected by the disaster.

In this time of unparalleled tragedy and need, I urge New Yorkers and donors everywhere to direct their donations only to organizations that they know and trust. This is the best way to ensure that the funds will be used as promised.

Donors should be particularly wary of telemarketing calls because a majority of the funds raised in this manner are paid to the professional telemarketers and only a small portion of the money is actually given to the charity. Individuals, instead, should send their donations directly to the charity, because this helps maximize the amount of funds used to assist the victims of the tragedy.

Anyone who has questions or concerns about charitable donations can contact the Attorney General's Charities Bureau by telephone at (212) 416-8401 or by email at: Charities.Bureau@ag.ny.gov.

In addition, my office has produced a special publication entitled "Tips on Charitable Giving," which is available at: Click Here

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