IDAHO FALLS - Rescue teams; working day and night to help nearly three-million people trapped in the aftermath of Haiti's 7.0 earthquake last night.

"when something like this happens, everyone across the world wants to respond. Human beings are compassionate creatures, for the most part," says Red Cross disaster relief captain Lee Goulter.

And for the most part, local charities are reliable, but because of past disasters like 2004's hurricane Katrina and the enormous number of scammers stealing donations, the better business bureau sends a warning.

"we want to give and we are very giving, and scammers know that and they read headlines and they are going to start coming out of the wood works."

Use common sense. Be cautious when relying on third party recommendations. Don't believe charities who claim 100% of your donation will assist relief victims, watch out for online giving, especially responding to emails and spam. And finally, make sure the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted area.

"after the Katrina incident we did see quite a bit of schemes and scams ranging anywhere between assistance in housing, filing claims of some sort for other types of assistance, personal identification information."

Local religious groups like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are accepting donations, and also the Red Cross.

"the best way people can respond from Idaho is with cash donations."

That's because in Haiti's current condition, shipping in-kind items is too difficult to transport.

January 14, 2010 – In the wake of the earthquake
disaster in Haiti, Americans are donating via text message more than ever before. BBB Wise Giving Alliance advises donors that giving through text can be a safe and easy way to give—but you should still use caution.

Within days following the disaster in Haiti, it was widely reported that more than $3 million was donated through text message to such organizations as the Red Cross and others.

“It’s encouraging that people are making small donations through text messages,” said Donna Oe, President and CEO, BBB Southeastern Idaho, Western Wyoming office. “An incredible amount of money will be needed to address the crisis in Haiti and charities will certainly welcome gifts made through any means available. However, donors should still do their due diligence to make sure their money is going to trustworthy charities.”

BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips on giving through text:
• Confirm the number directly with the source. While BBB Wise Giving Alliance has not yet heard of any scams relying on text message donations, this emerging method for donating is ripe for exploitation by scammers.
• Be aware that text donations are not immediate. Depending on the text message service used by the charity, text donations can take anywhere from 30-90 days to be transferred to the designated charity. If you would like the donation to be received immediately by the charity, you can give online through the charity Web site, by calling the charity directly or by sending a check in the mail.
• Review the fine print. When you give to a charity through text message, you might also be signing yourself up to receive text message updates from the charity in the future. A charity should include the details of its text campaign on its Web site so you can see what you’re signing up and how you can opt out.
• Research the charity. Giving wisely to a charity isn’t just about making sure that the solicitation isn’t coming from scammers. Wise donors make sure their donations are going to charities that are best equipped to help in the relief efforts and responsibly use the money for its intended purpose.