Scammers Target Haiti Donors

South Forida residents who aid Haiti are targeted by a scam artist

Jused Melian wanted to help Haiti.

"I am trying to help other people and telling my friends, and here is someone stealing my identity and committing credit card fraud," she said.

Melian said she sent a text message to help Haiti. She made a $5 donation to a charity and she encouraged others to do so.

One Florida resident sent us a bill for a home study program he said he never ordered. It cost $79. The charges coming the day after he made a $10 text donation.

"It's very upsetting, you want to give to those who know what they are doing and want to know how to use your money well," Cynthia White said.

Another Broward family said their credit card was charged after making a donation. "They charged my sister's credit card after we donated, Pembroke Pines salon owner Wendy Phipps said. "It's not right."

The Red Cross says give only to reputable organizations, which you can find here, be cautious of street donations, and check to see if the charity is tax-exempt, makes an annual report, has a secure web page, and report any fraud.

The Red Cross has put out a warning telling the public to be careful.

But now Melian is worried. Her bank started calling. Charges were being made to the same credit card she uses to pay for the phone she used to send the text message.

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