SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELOLAND) — Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning South Dakotans about donation scams involving relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Helene.

“Unscrupulous scammers always use disasters like this to deceive people who want to help,” said Attorney General Jackley in a press release. “The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division encourages people to only donate to reputable organizations that are actually raising funds for this disaster.”

Jackley shared some tips to avoid getting scammed. Those included only giving money to legitimate relief organizations such as the Red Cross, knowing that government agencies do not ask for money over the phone, being careful of pop-up messages, double checking emails and treating calls or emails demanding immediate action with suspicion.