Donating to Japan: How Not to Get Scammed

Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan that occurred on March 11, 2011. More have been affected by the mandatory evacuations near the Fukushima nuclear plant. Current statistics show that over 7,300 people have lost their lives due to this tragedy. Over 11,000 more people are missing and unaccounted for. Over half a million people are homeless, whether due to the earthquake, resulting storm, or the trouble at the nuclear plant.

Here in the United States, thousands of organizations are begging for donations to help the people of Japan. However, as with every tragedy, there are unscrupulous people looking to take advantage of the misfortune of others and make a quick buck. If you are looking to donate to help the people of Japan, you must do your homework first and ensure that your donation goes to a reputable charity and will be used for the purpose intended. Here are just a couple of reputable organizations helping the people in Japan.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is an obvious choice. You can donate in person, online or texting "MED" to 80888 from your cell phone to make a one-time $10 donation. Your donation will go directly to help the people of Japan, with very little overhead being taken out for administrative costs. And the American Red Cross is a long-standing, reputable organization that has helped in every natural disaster on United States soil, and many overseas disasters as well.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is another long-standing organization that helps in disasters. You can donate to the Salvation Army online, in person, or by texting "JAPAN" or "QUAKE" to 80888 on your cell phone to make a one-time, tax-deductible donation.

Paypal

Paypal is another organization that is also taking donations for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. You can donate directly from your Paypal account on a PC or mobile phone. The donation will come from your Paypal balance if available, or your backup funding method and go straight to those who need it.

Pet Rescue & Relief Funds

The non-human victims of natural disasters are often forgotten about. Many cats, dogs and other animals have lost their homes and families as a result of this tragedy as well. Several organizations have set up ways that you can donate to help these pets be rescued and put in shelters, foster homes or reunited with their families. You can rest assured that your donation will go to help these pets find their way to safety. Some reputable organizations are WorldVet, who has mobilized people in the country to help pets displaced in this tragedy, and is collecting donations of money, medications and supplies. The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation has also deployed teams on the ground in Japan to search for missing and injured pets, and is taking donations to help their efforts. Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support, a coalition of three Japanese groups, is also taking donations via ChipIn to help these pets who are hurt, scared and alone and need assistance.

There are many ways to donate to help people and pets in Japan that need our support. Just make sure you pick a reputable organization to donate your hard-earned dollars to.

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