The Foundation arm of AVAST Software announced today that it will make a donation of 500,000 CZK (approximately $25,000) to support relief and recovery efforts in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan.
“The greatest needs are for water, food and hygiene kits, and this will be coordinated through our main partner, People in Need, the biggest humanitarian organization in Central/Eastern Europe,” said Martina B?e?ová, spokesperson for the AVAST Foundation.
AVAST has 150 associates based in Manila and nearby Tarlac City, both of which suffered only minor damage and heavy rains.
“I speak for the founders, management, and employees of AVAST, when I say that our hearts go out to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines,” said Vojt?ch Nekvapil, AVAST’s Partner Sales and Support Manager. “Our highest priority is to make sure that our associates and their families are safe and have what they need.”
How to avoid scammers taking advantage of Typhoon Haiyan
Whenever a catastrophe hits, people seek ways they can help. Cybercrooks quickly throw up fake websites or use similar sounding names to trick donors, and scam victims or even the real charity. Typhoon Haiyan already wrecked havoc on residents of the Philippines; don’t let making a donation wreck havoc on your bank account or identity
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other organizations caution people to be selective in choosing charities. Here are a few tips from the FTC:
- Donate to charities you trust, those with a “proven track record” of delivering aid to those in need.
- Be alert for charities that seem to have sprung up overnight in connection with current events. Check out the charity with the BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar.
- Don’t give out personal or financial information — including your credit card or bank account number — unless you know the charity is reputable.
- Never send cash: You can’t be sure the organization will receive your donation, and you won’t have a record for tax purposes.
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