Scam artists, con artists, and the disaster in Haiti

Human tragedies, such as the one in Haiti, can bring out the best in people - those that roll up their sleeves to do what they can to help others who are caught in the suffering. But they can also bring out the worst in people - those who take advantage of the situation. These are the scam artists or con artists. To tell you the truth I don't feel like calling them "artists" at all. Take heed of the following.

These are the things that a scam artist will do in the face of a tragedy.

They will rapidly launch fly by night web sites or even use text messaging to steal your money.

If you're not mindful, you could lose your money without having helped the people who are in actual dire need.

"It's hard to imagine, someone wanting to take advantage of such a dire situation like what is going on in Haiti," said Dixon.

But, my friends, it happens all the time and there are warning signs. Dixon comments that these bogus charities are often hard to spot. Their bogus Web sites really look legit.

"So they have set up opportunities for us to give, to give right into their pockets," said Dixon.

According to the FBI in 2005 there were suspicions about Web sites that were soliciting funds after the Hurricane Katrina calamity on the Gulf Coast. Scambusters.org says that scams were showing up within an hour of the 2001 World Trade Center attacks.

"With every single natural disaster you've had in the past, there has always been a con artist looking to take advantage of the situation, so we fully expect that to be taking place with the Haiti earthquake," said Dixon.

Be on the alert regarding people who contact you to give money. Too many times scammers have used e-mails or have sent a text message urging you to give right NOW. Dixon says this should be a huge warning sign.

"This idea of texting to give through a charity raises a number of issues. Number one it's immediate so you're not able to do research. We definitely recommend you do the research," said Dixon.

You can do research by checking out the BBB's Web site. Type in your zip code and then click on "check out a businesses or charity," then type away.

"The BBB has developed 20 standards for charities, universal in nature. It's a check list really, so you know the charity is spending your hard earned money wisely," said Dixon.

These are things the BBB says you should be bear in mind when donating.

- Be skeptical of any claim that says that 100 percent of donations will assist victims.

- Be especially careful when giving online, especially in replying to spams or e-mails.

- Investigate whether the charity has an actual presence at the affected area.

- Try not to go through a middleman. Some charities raise money to pass along to other organizations. It is better to donate to them directly.