Hurricane Helene relief efforts scam using AARP name

[cediazf]

I  I received an email on my regular email account supposedly from AARP inviting me to donate for hurricane Helene victims through a link. They promised, they will match every donation 100 per cent.  I was tempted thinking that if I donated $20, they will match it and people who could donate more, AARP will match it.  then I stopped and thought.  AARP has never done that.  AARP themselves are usually asking for donations through AARP foundation.  So, how could they possible match donations.  Sure enough, I logged in to AARP and could not find anything regarding donations for Hurricane Helene victims.  So, please be aware this is another scam, to profit using the AARP name and the tragedy of many families.  Make as many as you can, know.  I hope AARP will send a real legitimate email to it's membership base alerting.  Sadly, I am afraid some may already fall for it.  I am donating for the victims those $20 directly with the Red Cross.   

[OneDayMatisyahu]

I too had received the email from AARP.

It's good to be cautious......better to verify - what is the the truth.

Let's find out:  go to AARP main web Home page - click top left AARP logo

-  go all the way to the bottom of page where you see this: 

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age.

- look for and click on -  AARP Foundation -----> https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/

-       Emergency: Help Hurricane Victims

Join AARP Foundation in sending relief and assistance to the victims of Hurricane Helene — right now. 

--------->  https://foundation.aarp.org/site/Donation/2024-10-disaster-relief-fdn-web

and recently you may see on the front AARP Main page - a top banner ------> EMERGENCY: Send assistance to victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton and your gift will be matched.

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🤔  ------> https://community.aarp.org/t5/Redemption/Could-we-possibly-assist-Hurricane-Helene-survivors/m-p/257...

🤔 cediazf         it would be honorable if you could amend your post - just click on the "three little dots ... " next you your original post and you 'can edit' your post as you see fit; you can even 'edit' the title of your post.

😎   My Summary:   the email was legitimate.

      Below is the original email - copied and pasted.

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Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s Big Bend region as a massive Category 4 storm, with fierce 140 mph winds and catastrophic storm surges along the Gulf coast. She left behind widespread destruction across the state, but she wasn’t done.

Helene continued to tear through the Southeast for more than 500 miles, decimating communities in Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia and beyond. Torrential rains, flooding, landslides and tornadoes brought misery and tragedy to those in the storm’s path, killing more than 100 people and leaving more than 4.6 million homes and businesses without power. It will be days, and possibly weeks, before power is fully restored throughout the affected areas and people are able to fully assess the devastation to their homes and communities.

Recognizing the challenges so many will face because of this disaster — especially vulnerable older adults — AARP Foundation has created a relief fund to support the victims of Hurricane Helene. To meet their needs, AARP will match — dollar for dollar — contributions up to a total of $100,000.

AARP Foundation, our charitable affiliate, will direct 100 percent of all funds raised to organizations that are providing relief and assistance to disaster victims. If you are in a position to help, please contribute now to double your gift and your positive impact. Every dollar will make a difference.

Match My Gift - Click here ------> AARP Foundation: "Act Now to Help Disaster Victims"

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 😎      You can contribute as little as $5.00

Red Cross - is always a good charity source, too. 😀

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Update as of 10-9-24

Millions of people across the Southeast — especially vulnerable older adults — will face enormous challenges in the coming weeks and months as they rebuild and recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. AARP Foundation has created a relief fund to support the victims. Thanks to the overwhelming support and generosity of so many who stepped up to help those in need following Hurricane Helene, we have met our initial match.

To help more seniors affected by Helene and now Hurricane Milton, AARP is increasing its matching funds by an additional match of $300,000 — bringing the total matched funds to $400,000. AARP Foundation will direct 100 percent of all funds raised to organizations that are providing relief and assistance to disaster victims in the stricken areas.

Make a tax-deductible donation to AARP Foundation, an AARP charitable affiliate, now. Your charitable gift and voluntary support helps create a brighter future for seniors.

[WebWiseWoman]

As noted, on the original post "Could we possibly assist Hurricane Helene survivors?" AARP has this in hand.