Greg's Corner

Scammers Are Exploiting Venezuela Earthquake Relief

By Greg Collier

When disaster strikes, one of the first reactions many people have is to help.

They see the images and hear the stories. They want to send money, supplies, or support to people who are suffering.

That generosity is exactly what scammers look for.

Following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, fraud experts are warning that criminals may try to take advantage of people looking to help by creating fake charities, fraudulent donation websites, and fake crowdfunding campaigns.

While the warning came from the Better Business Bureau in Texas, this is not just a concern for people in one community.

Disaster donation scams are a national problem.

Whenever a major tragedy happens anywhere in the world, scammers know there are millions of people willing to open their wallets.

A Disaster Creates the Perfect Scam Opportunity

The pattern is familiar.

A major disaster happens.

People search for ways to help.

Scammers quickly create fake ways to donate.

The fraud can appear as:

• Fake charity websites
• Social media donation posts
• Fake crowdfunding pages
• Emails requesting donations
• Videos or images designed to create an emotional response

The scammer’s goal is not to provide relief but to take advantage of compassion.

How Disaster Donation Scams Work

These scams often rely on urgency.

A fake organization may claim:

“Thousands need help right now.”

“Donate before it is too late.”

“Every dollar matters.”

The emotional pressure is intentional.

Scammers want people to act quickly without researching who is actually receiving the money.

A fake charity may use:

• A legitimate-sounding name
• Stolen photos
• Fake stories about victims
• AI-generated images
• A professional-looking website

To someone trying to help, it can look completely real.

The Venezuela Earthquake Scam Warning

The recent earthquake disaster in Venezuela is exactly the type of event criminals exploit.

According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers may create fake organizations claiming to provide relief efforts for affected communities.

Some may pretend to represent established charities.

Others may create new organizations that have no history of helping in disaster areas.

One major warning sign is a charity that suddenly appears after a disaster and immediately starts asking for money.

That does not automatically mean it is fake.

But it does mean donors should slow down and investigate.

Be Careful With Crowdfunding Pages

Crowdfunding has become a popular way for people to raise money during emergencies.

Sometimes it is legitimate.

Sometimes it is a scam.

Fraudsters may pretend to be:

• Earthquake victims
• Family members of victims
• Local volunteers
• Relief organizers

They may use stolen pictures and fake personal stories to convince people to donate.

The safest crowdfunding donations are usually ones involving someone you personally know.

If a random campaign appears online from an unfamiliar person asking for donations after a disaster, be cautious.

Payment Methods Can Reveal a Scam

One of the biggest warning signs is how someone wants your money.

Be extremely careful if a donation request asks for:

• Cryptocurrency
• Wire transfers
• Gift cards
• Cash transfer apps

These payment methods are popular with scammers because they can be difficult or impossible to recover.

For legitimate charitable donations, using a credit card is generally safer because there may be more options if something goes wrong.

Red Flags

Before donating, watch for:

• Newly created charities with no track record
• Pressure to donate immediately
• Requests for unusual payment methods
• No clear explanation of where the money goes
• No information about who operates the organization
• Emotional posts that provide no details
• Social media accounts created recently

A real charity should be able to answer basic questions.

Who are you?
Where does the money go?
How is the aid delivered?
What percentage reaches the people who need it?

How to Check Before You Donate

Before giving money:

Research the organization
Look up the charity independently.

Do not rely only on links sent through:

• Email
• Text messages
• Social media posts

Visit the official website
Type the website address yourself instead of clicking a donation link.

Check nonprofit status
Verify the organization through official nonprofit records.

Look at transparency
A trustworthy organization should explain:

• Its mission
• Its leadership
• Its programs
• How donations are used

What If You Already Donated?

If you believe you gave money to a fake charity:

• Contact your bank or credit card company
• Ask if the payment can be stopped or disputed
• Save screenshots and receipts
• Report the website or account
• File a report with consumer protection agencies

The sooner you act, the better.

The Hard Truth About Disaster Scams

The most frustrating thing about these scams is that they target people doing something good.

The victims are not trying to make money.

They are trying to help.

Scammers understand that generosity is powerful, and they use it against people.

Every major disaster creates a new wave of fraud attempts.

The location changes.
The story changes.
The fake charities change.

But the strategy stays the same.

Create an emotional connection.
Create urgency.
Collect money.

Final Thoughts

The earthquakes in Venezuela have created a situation where many people around the world want to provide support.

That generosity matters.

But helping starts with making sure your donation actually reaches the people who need it.

Before you give, take a few minutes to verify.

Because scammers are always watching for moments when people are at their most compassionate.

And during a crisis, the best way to help is not just to give.

It is to give wisely.