BBB offers advice to donors responding to St. Louis school shooting

(St. Louis, Mo.) – Oct. 25, 2022 –  Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in south St. Louis was the site of a deadly school shooting on Monday, making national headlines and sending shock waves through the local community.

Better Business Bureau reminds those who want to help relief efforts to carefully check out charities before making donations, and to be aware of the pros and cons of supporting crowdfunding efforts.

Michelle Corey of the BBB says that publicity. about tragedies often is used by scammers to solicit money that never reaches those who need it.

That’s why BBB is reminding  donors to make sure they’re donating to real nonprofits who can deliver aid where it’s needed.

Corey says crowdfunding efforts often spring up on social media in the wake of tragedies, promising to provide relief directly to individual families impacted by the event.  She says while this form of direct aid is admirable and well-intended, donors should be aware that such efforts may not be as reliable as established charities.