* American Red Cross: Donations can be made to the relief efforts for Japan by calling 800-733-27677 or visiting www.redcross.org. You may also text REDCROSS to 90999. Each text message is a $10 donation to the Red Cross and will be added to your next cell phone bill.
* Global Giving: Donations to the Japan earthquake tsunami relief can be made online at www.globalgiving.org/projects/japan-earthquake-tsunami-relief/ or by texting JAPAN to 50555 to donate $10. The donation will be added to your next cell phone bill.
* Mercy Corps: Mercy Corp has set up a donation fund for its partner, Peace Winds Japan, and its emergency assistance on the ground. To make a donation to the Japan earthquake tsunami relief online visit, https://www.mercycorps.org/donate/japan or call 888-747-7440.
* World Vision Canada: World Vision is one the first to start relief work for the Japan earthquake tsunami disaster. To donate, visit www.worldvision.ca/give-a-gift/Pages/Pacific-Tsunami.aspx.
* Medecins Sans Frontiers: Medecins San Frontier is among the first workers who are already on ground in Japan assessing the situation. You can make donations online at www.msf.org/msf/donations/donations_home.cfm.
* The Salvation Army: Text “Japan” or “Quake” to 80888 to make a $10 donation that will be added to your next cell phone bill. You may also call 800-SAL-ARMY and say you want to give to “Japan Earthquake / Tsunamis”
How To Avoid Scams Consumer Protection offers these tips to avoid phony charitable solicitations: # Donate to established, reputable organizations, such as the American Red Cross, UNICEF, World Vision, or other charitable organizations you know and trust. # Be suspicious of brand new, unknown organizations, along with those with names that are similar – but not identical -- to established organizations. # Be especially wary of electronic solicitations such as e-mails and text messages, or postings on websites such as Craigslist. Scammers use these methods to quickly reach large numbers of potential victims. If you are not certain of the source of such communication, do not respond. Instead, contact the established charity of your choice and directly make your donation. # Never provide your Social Security number, credit card number, bank account numbers, or other personally identifiable information to a solicitor. This information could easily be used by an identity thief to commit fraud against you. # Avoid donating cash. Use a check or credit card (when directly dealing with a legitimate charity). When paying by check, be sure to make it out to the exact name of the charity. # Be cautious when making an online donation. Most legitimate charity websites end in “dot-org” rather than “dot-com”. Also, use sites with a URL address that begins with “https” – the “s” stands for secure. Only make a credit card transaction when you initiate the contact and know you are using a legitimate site. # Never feel pressured into making a donation. Legitimate charities will give you time to consider your options and do not expect an immediate donation. # If you are uncertain about a charity, check it out with the Better Business Bureau (800-273-1002) or www.give.org. Other helpful resources include www.guidestar.org or www.charitynavigator.org. Always find out what percentage of your donation is going directly toward relief efforts and what portion is used for administrative costs, etc. # Under Wisconsin law, most organizations soliciting for charitable donations must register and file an annual report with the Department of Regulation and Licensing. Religious and veteran organizations are exempt from registration.