By Dave Porter

(AXcess News) Reno - Following the devastating 7.0 earthquake that rocked the tiny island nation of Haiti, AXcess News cautions everyone to watch out for online email scams and telemarketing.  If you want to donate funds to the relief efforts underway to aid Haitians, please contact your local community organizations or the Red Cross.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning to Americans to watch out for email scams requesting funds for Haiti earthquake relief.

"The FBI today reminds Internet users who receive appeals to donate money in the aftermath of Tuesday’s earthquake in Haiti to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before responding to those requests. Past tragedies and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a good cause," the January 13, 2009 FBI press release on Haiti email scams read.

The American Red Cross requested in a January 13, 2010 press release that donors to Haiti earthquake relief text their donation by "Sending a $10 Donation by Texting 'Haiti' to 90999."  Or you can call the Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).

According to reports, as many as three million people may have been affected by the quake, which collapsed government buildings and caused major damage to hospitals in the area.

The Red Cross also said it is not looking for volunteers to travel to Haiti to assist in relief efforts and cautioned well-doers to donate instead.

Moments ago, President Obama said in a televised speech from the White House that the United States is pledging $100 million to Haiti.

"We are just now beginning to learn the extent of the devastation, but the reports and images that we've seen of collapsed hospitals, crumbled homes, and men and women carrying their injured neighbors through the streets are truly heart-wrenching," said President Obama.

Americans trying to locate family members in Haiti are encouraged to contact the State Department at 888-407-4747, the President indicated.

"I have directed my administration to respond with a swift, coordinated, and aggressive effort to save lives.  The people of Haiti will have the full support of the United States in the urgent effort to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble, and to deliver the humanitarian relief -- the food, water and medicine  -- that Haitians will need in the coming days.  In that effort, our government, especially USAID and the Departments of State and Defense are working closely together and with our partners in Haiti, the region, and around the world," Obama stated.

The United Nations mobilizes resources - not email campaigns

"We are still struggling to learn the full extent of the devastation from yesterday's earthquake," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told an emergency informal meeting of the General Assembly held on Wednesday, accompanied by former United States president Bill Clinton, who serves as UN Special Envoy for Haiti.

"Casualties can not yet be estimated but they are certain to be heavy," Ban noted, adding that initial reports suggest that roughly a third of Haiti's nine million people may be affected.

Former US President Clinton stressed there is a great desire around the world to help the Haitian people and he encouraged people to donate money for the relief effort. "The most important thing individuals can do, who care, is to send cash - even if it's a dollar, or two dollars."

Comments such as those quoted by former President Clinton in a UN News story are sure to be picked up on by criminals who will stop at nothing to rob unsuspecting people who respond to scam email solicitations for Haiti aid following the earthquake.  While Clinton's intents were good, I assure you the UN does NOT solicit donations by email.

It was announced last night that 16 UN peacekeepers serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) have died, with some 150 staff members - including Hedi Annabi, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative - still unaccounted for.

Mr. Ban ordered $10 million to be released from the United Nations' Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to kick-start humanitarian relief efforts on Thursday.  A flash appeal for Haiti is expected to be launched within the next few days, but that appeal is for international funds from various UN government members - not an appeal for individuals to donate money through email solicitations, or telemarketers claiming to be working on behalf of Haiti earthquake relief efforts.

I should also mention the growing popularity of text messaging as a possible route for Haiti scams - DO NOT reply to ANY text you receive asking for help.  It is EASY to charge your cell carrier a per-minute rate - your grandma could set up an account in minutes and collect funds based on the number you dialed.  You don't even need to reply to a text message - merely opening it could cause trouble.  Here, I have to step on the necks of Verizon, who have thousands of account holders who  can't delete a text message without opening it first.  Yet text messaging itself may not lead to charges, though referring to a number for you to call could.

Stick to local community organizations like the Red Cross or your church if you want to donate to the Haiti earthquake relief effort - stay away from email, text messages and especially telephone solicitations when it comes to donating any aid.