Disasters always bring out the best and worst in people.
As hundreds of charities start raising funds for the victims of Hurricane Michael, here's how you can make sure your money is being used properly.
Pam Bondi, Florida's attorney general, says her department will not "tolerate anyone exploiting this disaster," and has offered up several tips to avoid getting scammed.
Scammers will use similar names as legitimate charities, so double check that you are in fact giving to the right place and always make sure that it's an established name.
The attorney general's office also says to avoid anyone who is pressuring you to donate or cannot provide proper information on the group.
If in doubt, call the Florida Attorney General’s Office or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service, 1-800-HELP-FLA to check if the charity is legitimate.
More info is available HERE.