Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings and the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection and Investor Protection units are issuing advisories for consumers and investors regarding scams, cyberattacks and investment threats related to the war in Ukraine.

Ms. Jennings is advising Delawareans to be vigilant about scams and fraud in connection with charitable efforts to support Ukrainian people.

State residents are advised to consider the following before donating to a charitable organization:

• Slow down — It’s important to remember that you don’t have to give immediately. It’s better to make a slower but more effective donation than it is to make a quick donation that provides little effective support.
• Know who you’re giving to and what your money will do — Research charities online, using independent evaluators like Charity Navigator, GuideStar and the Better Business Bureau. Focus on its stated purpose and how much it spends on overhead, employee compensation and fundraising. If the charity is unfamiliar, ask for this information in writing.
• Check for charity filings — Consumers should also search for the charity on the IRS website or look for its 990 tax filings. This will help you confirm if it’s a legitimate 501(c)(3) charity.
• Know who’s asking — If you receive a call from a telemarketer or other solicitation that you did not expect, ask the same questions you would research about their organization online. Callers refusing to give those answers or pressuring you into making an immediate donation could be a red flag.
• Be cautious about social media fundraising requests — You shouldn’t assume that because a friend or family member has donated to an organization that he or she has done their research. This is doubly true for social media and network solicitations.
• Watch out for similar names and websites — Fraudulent charities might mimic the names of familiar charities, hoping unsuspecting donors will mistake a fake organization for a legitimate one. Always double-check website names and URLs and pay attention to follow-up solicitations about pledges you never made or websites you never visited.
• Protect your identity — Never give someone your Social Security number in connection with a charitable donation and never give out any other personal information to a charity you have not researched.

If you believe that you have been victimized or identified such a fraudulent practice, report it here or 800-220-5424.

Ms. Jennings and the Investor Protection Unit are also cautioning investors and securities firms to be wary of threats from cyberattacks and potential investment scams due to the escalating conflict in Ukraine.

The unit offers the following tips for investors:

• Be skeptical of opportunities linked to the headlines — We are all aware of the rising costs of energy and fuel. Fraudsters may seek to take advantage of the increasing gas prices to pitch risky investments within the energy sector.
• Do your homework — Given the recent volatility in the financial markets, investors are likely concerned about their retirement accounts. Unscrupulous promoters may look to prey on this concern and attempt to convince individuals to leave the regulated markets in favor of “less volatile” opportunities. Investors are cautioned to investigate the person and firm, as well as the investment itself. Check with the Investor Protection Unit to determine if the person and investment is registered. Consult with a financial professional before making decisions to sell any investments.
• Monitor accounts and take steps to protect data — Be sure to keep an eye on your brokerage, bank and credit card statements to spot potentially fraudulent transactions. Contact your financial professional, bank or credit card issuer if you see anything questionable. Take steps to protect your data, such as updating passwords and using dual-factor authentication.

Investors may contact the Investor Protection Unit at 302-577-8424.