“With the tragic Champlain Towers condominium collapse so fresh on our minds, and with the death of so many emotionally devastating our community, I know that we all want to do everything we can to help the victims, their families and those dedicated first responders who have spent endless days sifting through the rubble hoping to find survivors.

Many will wish to make some form of charitable contribution to help these victims, many our personal friends, try to reestablish their lives. Unfortunately, even in these most devastating moments, there are some individuals who may see the kindness and generosity of our community as a potential source of easy cash by running a charitable scam.

If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from a charity assisting the victims, do your homework before giving out your credit card number or writing a check. Consider researching a charity’s legitimacy with organizations such as Charity Navigator, Charity Watch or GuideStar.

If you are contacted by someone who you suspect is operating a charitable scam, please contact our Hotline at (305) 547-3300 so that our investigators and prosecutors can review your concerns. You may also send an email address to Hotline@miamisao.com Complainants will receive an automatic reply that the information submitted will be reviewed. Additional information can be found on the Florida Division of Consumer Services website

With the help of our community, we can work together to make sure that everyone’s goodwill is delivered to the families affected by this tragedy.”