Red Cross Warned of Disaster Relief Scams
The American Red Cross cautioned Utah residents to be wary of fraudulent donation requests during emergencies.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Emergency Response
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The American Red Cross of Utah has issued an official warning regarding online disaster assistance scams. Officials cautioned that criminals are impersonating relief organizations to exploit public urgency during emergencies.
Why it matters
Fraudulent actors often capitalize on disaster-related crises to solicit money from well-meaning individuals. Recognizing these tactics is essential for ensuring that aid reaches legitimate organizations rather than criminal enterprises.
Official American Red Cross disaster assistance is always provided at no charge to recipients. Fraudulent schemes often pressure donors to pay immediately via gift cards or cryptocurrency, which are red flags for potential scams.
The players
American Red Cross
This humanitarian organization provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education to communities in need.
Federal Trade Commission
This federal agency is responsible for protecting consumers and preventing deceptive business practices through law enforcement and advocacy.
The details
Scammers are using phishing emails and fake donation appeals to deceive the public, often pressuring victims to provide funds quickly. Legitimate relief organizations warn that official entities will never request payment through unconventional methods like crypto assets or gift cards.
Timeline
The American Red Cross issued the fraud warning in October 2026.
The advisory coincides with National Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October.
Seasonal Patterns
The warning aligns with National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time when public vigilance regarding online security and digital fraud is emphasized.
Residents should remain vigilant against unsolicited donation requests and never share payment information with suspicious actors. You can report disaster-related fraud or scams directly to the Federal Trade Commission to help authorities track these criminal operations.
The takeaway
Always verify the legitimacy of a charitable organization before making any donations during an emergency. Stick to official, established channels to ensure your contributions support genuine recovery efforts rather than criminal activity.
Further reading
For additional context on how to protect your household, visit the Emergency Response section.
More information
Report suspicious activity through the Federal Trade Commission fraud reporting portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC 4.
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