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Nixon Warns Consumers About Disaster Donation Scams
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, (SLFP.com), Sept 15, 2001 - Attorney General Jay Nixon today said consumers who want to donate money to aid the victims of this week's terrorist attacks should beware of scam artists attempting to divert those funds from legitimate charities.
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How to Donate:
To give blood:
1-800-448-3543
To make financial contributions:
1-800-HELP NOW and
1-800-SAL ARMY
To volunteer medical services:
1-518-431-7600
To volunteer general services:
1-800-801-8092
Red Cross Organization
www.redcross.org
NEW YORK STATE CENTRAL DONATIONS COORDINATION HOTLINE 800 801-8092 OPEN 24 HOURS (100 operators) This number is for the public to call for information on volunteering and donating goods for the New York disaster relief.
THIS DONATIONS FUND IS AFFILIATED WITH THE NEW YORK STATE DONATIONS COORDINATION HOTLINE (see above)
World Trade Center Relief Fund
Box 5028
Albany, NY 12205
DONATE TO THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEE EDUCATION AND ASSISTANCE (FEEA) This fund is set up for federal families affected by the disasters in both New York and Virginia.
FEEA World Trade Center/Pentagon Fund
8441 W. Bowles Avenue Suite 200
Littleton, CO 80123
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"In the wake of disasters and tragedies, it is only natural that people across the country want to do something out of good will, and we don't want to discourage that in any way," Nixon said. "They should, however, use caution and common sense to make certain their donations are used to help the victims and not line the pockets of scam artists. Missourians should look at donating directly to established charities such as the Red Cross and should ignore e-mails and other solicitations claiming that they will pass the money on to a well-known charity."
Nixon said that after past disasters - such as the floods of 1993, the Oklahoma City bombing and the crash of TWA flight 800 - there were attempts by con artists to prey on the generosity of Americans by soliciting donations that ultimately never went to charitable causes. Consumers should obtain enough information about a charity to make a knowledgeable decision before they give, Nixon said.
"Most organizations that solicit donations in Missouri are required to be registered with our office," Nixon said. "We have not received any new registrations this week for charities established specifically to aid the victims of the terrorist attacks."
Nixon pointed out several warning signs consumers should notice when someone asks for a donation.
- Ask what percentage of the donation will be used for the charitable purpose. Charities are not required by law to spend any specific amount of the donations on the charitable purpose.
- Be wary of solicitors urging on the spot donations or refusing to provide written, verifiable information about the charity or organization.
- Don't judge a charity solely by its name. Many scam artists will use a name that closely resembles that of a respected charity to collect donations.
- Use checks, not cash, for donations. The check provides a written record of the donation.
- Be careful about giving credit card numbers to solicitors.
For more information about charitable giving, or call Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222.
Update, Sept 13, 2001:
Lambert - St. Louis International Airport has reopened to allow ticketed passengers only to continue their flights. For more information, call the Lambert Information Hotline - 314-851-0987 or visit their web site at www.lambert-stlouis.com
Airports Open Under Tight Security
View
of downtown where the World Trade Center Buildings stood prior to
their collapse as seen from Independence Plaza four blocks away, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001. (Robin Weiner/WirePix)
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ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), Sept 13, 2001 - Secretary of Transportation Norman Y.
Mineta announced in a press conference that all airports would reopen at 11 a.m. EDT. The Federal Aviation Administration will allow a limited
reopening of the nation's commercial airspace system in order to allow flights
that were diverted Tuesday to continue to their original destinations.
"Safety is always of paramount importance, and in these extraordinary
times we intend to be vigilant," Mineta said. "We remain committed to resuming
commercial flights as soon as possible."
Mineta said a variety of stepped-up security measures will be instituted
at the airports once they re-open. He stated that these measures include:
- A thorough search and security check of all airports and airplanes will take place before passengers are allowed to board any aircraft.
- We have discontinued all curbside check-in at the airport. All passengers will be required to go to the ticket counters to check in.
- We must reserve boarding areas for passengers only. Only ticketed
passengers will be allowed to proceed past airport screeners to catch
their flights.
- Vehicles near airport terminals will be monitored more closely.
We have experienced an unprecedented assault on our commercial aviation system," Mineta continued. "In times such as these, we will use all available resources to ensure the safety of our travelers."
Mineta said that "Agents from the Department of Justice and from the Department of the Treasury will be deployed to airports across the country. The added presence of these officers will augment the existing heightened security procedures, serving as a visible reminder of our commitment to protect the safety of the American people and the traveling public."
Mineta strongly urged all passengers to allow plenty of time to deal with the heightened security procedures and to exercise patience with airport, airline employees and security personnel.
"From this day forward," emphasized Mineta, "we are operating with tightened security. In the weeks and months ahead, we will do all that we can to ensure that the safety of the American aviation system is in place. We will not allow this enemy to win the war by restricting our freedom of mobility.
I wish again to express my hope that all Americans will head the President's call the keep the victims and their families in our prayers and our thoughts as we go about the task of recovering and rebuilding," stated Mineta.
Passengers seeking information about flights can go to www.orbits.com for a complete list of phone numbers and web sites for all airlines.
See archived stories:
Airports to Remain Closed
America Under Seige
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