UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The pictures and reports of the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Katrina on America's Delta region have many people looking for ways to contribute financially to relief efforts. But when disaster strikes, so will crooks, thieves, robbers and others who seek to profit from the misfortunes of others, and a consumer educator in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences says donors should exercise caution in giving.

Swindlers' operating principle appears to be "strike while the iron is hot," says Cathy Bowen, associate professor of consumer issues programs in the department of agricultural and extension education. In other words, they want to trick as many people as possible into giving money to bogus charity agencies and efforts while interest is high.

"Right now, most citizens are feeling pretty bad about the situations on the Gulf Coast, and we want to help out our fellow Americans," she says. "Donating money seems to be the easiest solution, but I'm just reminding folks that you need to donate with your head as well as your heart, because con artists know that this is an opportunity to strike and to make money from those who are unsuspecting."

When making donations to help the victims of Katrina, Bowen says, you should proceed with caution. For instance, she says, keep your personal budget in mind when making donation pledges -- be realistic about what you and your family can afford to give.

Other tips for ensuring that your contributions are helping actual victims include:

--Decide how much you can give and donate once or periodically to a single organization. "This makes it easier for you to stay on budget with the amount you can afford to give," she says. "It's also easier to say, 'I've already contributed what I can afford at this time' when you're solicited by multiple groups."

--Donate through well-established local organizations (religious groups, civic groups, etc.) that have an organized effort to assist Katrina victims. "By donating to local agencies, you can cut down on getting taken by con artists, because they can verify that your money is actually going to the victims," Bowen says.

--Donate to the American Red Cross by contacting a local chapter or going directly to the Red Cross Web site (http://www.redcross.org). You can call 1-800-HELP-NOW, or mail your donation to: American Red Cross Disaster Response Fund at P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. "They seem to be the leader at this point in terms of where donations are being channeled to," she explains. "And they're a well-established organization with local chapters as well as the national branch to send donations to."

--Avoid responding to links in messages received via e-mail or to phone calls from unknown organizations or solicitors. "Behind those e-mails and phone calls may be a con artist that you can't see," Bowen says. "And e-mail links can take you to a bogus site that looks like the Red Cross but really isn't. They can collect money or information from you that can be used for identity theft.

"Helping those affected by disasters is important and something most people want to do," Bowen says. "After all, you could be the one affected rather than the helper. We just have to donate wisely." EDITORS: Contact Cathy Bowen at 814-863-7870 or cfb4@psu.edu.

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Writer/Editor: Gary AbdullahOffice 814-863-2708