There are so many wonderful people and organizations assisting those affected by the wildfires right now, but unfortunately circumstances like these also attract those who might take advantage of the vulnerable.

A friend of RVUUF was recently targeted in a gift card and identify theft scam. They were contacted by phone, the caller purporting to be representing a well known local business. They were asked to purchase gift cards for the Fire Relief Fund. They purchased 9 gift cards at $200 each and supplied a photo of their credit card information before realizing it was a scam.

A ton of GoFundMe accounts have been set up to collect donations for folks affected by the fires. If you know the person affected, by all means, donate if you are inclined to do so, but the safest way to help is by donating to established local organizations already known to do good in our community.

RVUUF has created a Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund, in addition to our Minister’s Discretionary Fund. Also, The Ashland BIPoC Sanctuary will be supporting SOEquity relief efforts as they are an emerging non-profit still seeking fiscal sponsorship and donations given directly to SOEquity are not currently tax-deductible.

The following organizations are also doing wonderful things in our community, as they have done for years:  ACCESS, Ashland Food Bank, OHRA’s Ashland Community Resource Center, Rogue Retreat (this month’s 3rd Sunday Recipient), Unete, and United Way of Jackson County.

To report suspected fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at 1-866-720-5721. If you need to report other fraudulent activities during or following a natural disaster, please notify FEMA at 1-866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov.