Hurricane Harvey has affected us all. It’s difficult to look at the heartbreaking events in Texas without wanting to help in some way.

Scammers know this and are eagerly trolling, hoping to take advantage of our generosity to scam money from unsuspecting victims.

To prevent this from happening, here is information you can use to contribute to legitimate organizations that are helping hurricane victims in Texas. Please do not give anyone your credit card or other information over the phone or by email unless you have initiated the call or communication.

• American Red Cross. Website:  www.redcross.org

Phone: 1-800-RED CROSS

Or text the word “Harvey” to 90999 to donate $10

• The Salvation Army.  Website: www.helpsalvationarmy.org

Phone:  1-800-725-2769

• GlobalGiving. Website: www.globalgiving.org/harvey

 Phone: 1-877-605-2314

Or text the word “Harvey” to 80100 to donate $10

• Save the Children. Website:  www.savethechildren.org

Phone: 1-800-728-3843

And please don’t forget the helpless animals. Relief organizations are mobilizing to remove animals from flooded Texas shelters and fly them to animal shelters in other parts of the U.S. for adoption. To help with these efforts, you can reach out to:

• Humane Society Animal Rescue Team  800-808-7858; http://www.humanesociety.org/

• Wings of Rescue, provides flights for shelter animals out of the flooding and to shelters in other areas. You can donate on its website at: https://www.wingsofrescue.org/donate/. They are in California and their phone number is: 925.998.9309. Email can be sent to:  info@wingsofrescue.org

If you have been contacted by a charity and want to make sure it is not a scam, you can check by contacting:

Charity Navigator. Website:  www.charitynavigator.org

Phone: 1-201-818-1288