The state Division of Consumer Protection has received several complaints about e-mails circulating with the subject line of "Help the Needy/Tzu Chi Foundation, China Earthquake." The e-mails ask recipients to wire money to organizations in Lagos, Nigeria.
A hyperlink included in the e-mail shows photos of the earthquake in China that help make the scam charity organization look legitimate, according to a news release from the Division of Consumer Protection.
"Help the Needy" and "The Tzu Chi Foundation," however, are not registered charities with the Division of Consumer Protection, the release states.
People should delete e-mail containing those subject lines, said Francine Giani, executive director of the Division of Consumer Protection.
"History has shown that each natural catastrophe, whether close to home or overseas, brings out con artists looking to make a fast buck off generous Utah citizens," Giani said. She encouraged donors to check with consumer protection to make sure contributions are going to legitimate charities.
A list of registered Utah charities authorized to solicit fund can be found at www.consumerprotection.utah.gov by clicking on the "education" section and selecting "registered charities."
