Overview
As we respond to the devastating flash floods and glacial landslides that recently swept across Nepal, we remain committed to standing with our global neighbors during times of sudden crisis. In our continued effort to bring aid to affected mountain communities, we have partnered with key relief organizations to share verified resources for those looking to support emergency response and long-term recovery.
Resources
Non-Resident Nepali Association National Coordination Council (NRNA NCC USA)
The Non-Resident Nepali Association National Coordination Council USA (NRNA NCC USA) is the official American chapter of the global Non-Resident Nepali Association, representing and mobilizing the Nepali diaspora across the United States to foster community, preserve cultural heritage, and support socio-economic development in Nepal. During severe flood crises in Nepal—such as devastating monsoon flash floods and landslides—NRNA NCC USA acts as a primary humanitarian bridge by launching targeted online donation drives across its nationwide state chapters, funneling direct emergency aid into relief funds, and deploying resources on the ground in coordination with local Nepali authorities and NRNA's central disaster task forces to deliver immediate necessities like food, clean water, temporary shelters, and medical kits, while also funding long-term rebuilding projects for impacted rural communities.
Ridgewood Nepalese Society (RNS)
The Ridgewood Nepalese Society (RNS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Queens, New York, that serves as a vital cultural, social, and civic hub for the Nepali-American diaspora, offering programs such as language classes, youth sports initiatives, and settlement assistance for newly arrived immigrants. During severe flood crises in Nepal—such as devastating monsoon flash floods and catastrophic landslides—RNS acts as a grassroots humanitarian center by organizing community support drives, launching transparent donation channels across the New York metropolitan area, and funneling financial aid directly to verified relief funds back home. In times of acute emergency, the society pauses routine social events and redirects its entire network to partner with local leaders, emergency responders, and diplomats to raise awareness and deliver essential supplies, clean water, and medical aid to affected rural families.
Avoiding Donation Scams
Anytime disasters occur, scam artists prey on individuals looking to help. The flash floods in Nepal provide an opportunity for fraudsters to set up fake charities or pose as compelling disaster victims. Others design websites to mimic a legitimate charity’s official site to steal unsuspecting donors' money and/or personal information.
To prevent donation money from falling into the wrong hands, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection recommends taking the following precautions:
- Verify the request: Scammers are more frequently posing as friends, family, or romantic interests on social media and requesting donations. If you receive an unsolicited request for donation relief online, even if it appears to be someone you know, connect with the person directly through a different communication link to verify the request. Do not click on any links or complete forms before verifying the source. If the request is coming from someone you only recently met online, it is most likely a scam and you should be especially wary.
- Be aware of fake charities: Some scammers will create fake “charities” and try to trick you with names similar to well-known charities. Pay attention to the charity’s full name, web address, contact information, etc. Scammers may copy or mimic the name of a familiar, trusted organization to swindle you.
- Research the charity: Don’t rely on a charity website alone. Search online before donating to any charity using the name of the group plus search terms like “review” and “scam”. The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking with give.org, charitynavigator.org, charitywatch.org, or candid.org to see reports and ratings for charities. You can also check with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for verification that a charity is registered. The Office of the Attorney General also recommends reviewing the Charities Registry for financial reports prior to donating to ensure the charity is fiscally sound.
- Resist high-pressure tactics: While the situation is urgent, consumers should resist being pressured to donate immediately. Scammers often pressure you to donate immediately, causing you to overlook red flags in their story. Beware of direct e-mails from “victims” and solicitors who employ heart-wrenching stories, insisting that you donate immediately. Do not give money over the phone to unsolicited telemarketers; instead, ask the caller to send written materials about the charity and where to donate, if you choose.
- Keep personal information private: Never give your Social Security number, credit card or debit card number, or other personal identifying information in response to an unsolicited charitable request. If donating online, ensure that your internet connection is secure before following through on donation requests.
- Ask how your money will be spent: Consumers want to know that their money is going directly to the victims. A genuine charity should be able to let you know how much of your donation will go directly to the program as opposed to administrative fees.
- Donate by check or credit card: Never give money using cash, gift cards, crypto currency, or any tender that would be difficult to trace. Give your contribution by check or credit card to ensure that you have a record of the donation. Make checks out to the charity, not to an individual. If you choose to donate via a charity's website, check that the website is secure and that your computer is equipped with the latest anti-virus protection.
Contact or File a Complaint
If you suspect that you have encountered a fraudulent attempt to receive donations, you can file a complaint with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection.
The Division’s Consumer Assistance Hotline is open Monday to Friday, excluding State holidays, 8:30am to 4:30pm at 1-800-697-1220. You can find more information and tips by following the Division of Consumer Protection on social media on X and Facebook.