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Is texting 90990 a SCAM?
By Michelle Shelton

In the aftermath of the horrible earthquake that hit Haiti on Tuesday evening, supports have jumped into action. Everyone wants to help when there is a tragedy. This is noble of course. Just make sure that you check out the sources that as for money. The Internet and texting has made it so much easier and faster to rally support after such an event.

I received a text on my facebook wall saying to text ‘Haiti’ to 90990 and at first I was ready to copy and paste it and then I stopped. I thought, what a perfect time for someone to take advantage. How do I know where the money is going? The message said it would automatically be added to my phone bill. Wow. Someone is going to receive a lot of money…if it really is going to help…GREAT. I just wanted to be sure.

Technology has made things so easy. I love it. The thing is…I always want to check things out.

So far, I only know of two legitimate texting donations for Haiti and their relief efforts:

The U.S. State Department set up the first one. Text ‘HAITI’ to 90999. Texting “HAITI” to the number will donate $10 to the American Red Cross, and will appear as a charge on your wireless bill.

Apparently, when you text ‘Yele to 501501 this will donate $5 to a non-profit organization founded by a Haiti native. You can also donate on the website – when you text, the $5 is also charged to your cell phone bill.

A word of caution. Watch out for scams during this time. As sad as it is, it does occur around disasters and schemers are quick to take advantage of Americans’ generosity.