FORT PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Times of tragedy can bring out the best in people as they act quickly to provide support for those coping with the situation. Unfortunately, equally as quick to activate are scammers trying to take advantage of the situation and people’s desire to help.

Jessie Schmidt is with the Better Business Bureau in South Dakota. She urges people wanting to help the Hupp family of rural Fort Pierre to donate with an entity they are familiar with.

A Wednesday morning blast killed Kelsey and Trevor Hupp’s 6 month old daughter Harper and Trevor’s parents, Bill and LaDonna. Trevor and Kelsey’s sons, 5 year old Myles and 3 year old Royce, were airlifted to a burn unit in St. Paul.

Schmidt says people should be cautious of scam artists masquerading as a fundraising organization. She says double check any website links or other offers claiming to raise money for the family to be sure the link you see is legit.

Schmidt says fraudsters may also try to deceive you through direct messaging claiming to be raising funds for the family.