LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — As Americans rally to help communities hit by Hurricane Melissa, scammers are lining up to ride the same wave of post-storm generosity.

The Better Business Bureau of Michigan (BBB) is now warning donors to slow down and verify before they give, as fake charities pop up to cash in on disaster relief efforts.

MORE NEWS: Michigan Court Restores Sanity to No-Fault Insurance Chaos for Caregivers

“Identify organizations that have a good track record when it comes to disaster relief ” Troy Baker, BBB vice president, told WOODTV.com. “The Red Cross, International Aid … They’re some of those first people on the ground.”

Baker also warned against emotional impulse-giving to strangers online.

 “Just giving to random crowdfunding pages … doesn’t necessarily mean that’s where it’s going to go,” he said. “Find out whether that really is the organization you want to give to, and then give directly.” 

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in the Caribbean this week as a Category 5 storm, causing catastrophic flooding and widespread damage in Jamaica and Cuba. Relief groups are now on the ground, and many more are mobilizing support for recovery.

So, the BBB’s bottom line: Your money can build hope; Just don’t let a scammer build a vacation fund with it.