Don't Be Scammed

Before donating time and money to any group that claims to be searching for missing children, do some research first.

Here in Washington state check the Attorney General information on charities, including warnings. 

Check to see if a group is registered properly as a corporation.

Check with local law enforcement.

Follow this excellent advice:

Walla Walla County Sheriff John A. Turner is advising the public to use caution when making charitable contributions after an organization called Search and Rescue Charities contacted some Walla Walla County citizens claiming to support local Search and Rescue teams.

During the solicitation, which has included phone and mail, the group claims that it does support the Walla Walla County Search and Rescue, but Search and Rescue can find no records of ever being contacted, much less being supported by this group. State level Search and Rescue officials never have heard of this charity, according to the news release.

Legitimate and well-established charitable groups easily are reached by telephone or email and have local representatives who can answer questions regarding funding and expenditures. They most likely will have local or regional offices that are open to the public and have complete transparency, the release said.

Walla Walla sheriff emphasizes caution, urges to use local nonprofits