ARDMORE, OK - Tonight authorities are spreading the word to be on the look out for internet scammers posing as Haiti relief organizations. Austin Wright has more.

Millions of people have watched as relief efforts continue tonight in the chaos stricken nation of Haiti, and tonight there are those with intentions of preying among the people that hope to help.

When natural disasters strike like this weeks earthquake in the Caribbean country of Haiti there are many people that spring into action, including internet scammers.

"The best thing you can do is just don't open an email from anyone that you don't know who it's from. That the safest thing you can do, just delete it right out," says computer expert Phillip Haley.

Haley works for Absolute Computers in Ardmore. He says internet scammers won't only rip you off, they can also turn your computer into an accomplice.

"You can also get a hijacker which what that does is it takes your email address, and they can spam out from your email like you sent this email out to a bunch of people you didn't even know you were sending emails to."

With the out pour of monetary donations coming into help relief efforts in Haiti, cyber-crooks are trying to come up with new ways to get you to fork over personal information. Many pose as fraudulent charity organizations, claiming to be taking donations to help victims of natural disasters.

Salvation Army volunteer A.C. Turner says if you want to donate, stick to the names you know.

"The Salvation Army is very careful with monetary donations. The website is encrypted, and we make sure the money is safe and the money goes towards where it's supposed to go," Turner says.

Using your cell phone to donate is another safe way to make sure your donations don't find their way into scammers' pockets. Mobile carriers like At&T say texting 'Haiti' to the number 90999 will donate $10 to the American Red Cross. The donation will then show up at the end of the month on your cell phone bill.

Turner says of course you can also get in touch with the local Salvation Army.

"You can call 1-800-Sal-Army or you can go to salvationarmyusa.org and the first page that will pop up will be about Haiti and there is a place you can click on to donate."

Groups like the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross say the only donations being taken right now are monetary, which means if you want to donate it will be cash, check, or charge.

The American Red Cross

From Sharon M. Watson, Executive Director of the Texoma Area Chapter of the American Red Cross

The amount contributed to Haiti relief from the American Red Cross International Relief Fund is now $10 million.

Upon hearing the news that a catastrophic earthquake rocked the small island nation of Haiti, the American Red Cross immediately responded with financial and material support.

In the 48 hours since the quake, the American Red Cross has sent $1 million and made every last item in its Disaster Relief Warehouse in Panama available for the Haitian people. Supplies include things like tarps, mosquito netting and cooking sets. From that one American Red Cross warehouse, some 5,000 families can be helped.

The American Red Cross is in close touch with sister Red Cross Societies around the globe and has committed all needed resources to help in the recovery.

Donate to the relief efforts in Haiti by the American Red Cross

Texoma residents can help relief efforts by donating money through several channels:

· Make a TEXT Donation from your cell phone by texting the word "HAITI" to 90999. A $10 gift will go directly to the Red Cross.

· Go to www.redcross.org and make a financial donation through the International Response Fund.

· Persons wishing to give through the local chapter should send their checks to American Red Cross, 2527 State Hwy. 691, Denison, TX 75020, designating "Haitian Relief" in the memo portion of the check.

Financial contributions really are the best way to help. This type of gift allows the Red Cross to move people and supplies quickly into the area.
For those interested in volunteering for the Red Cross, but have not been trained in International Disaster Response, contact your local Red Cross office or go to www.redcrossdallas.org and begin the process of becoming a trained American Red Cross volunteer.