The New York Attorney General's Office is warning people who want to support families affected by the Flatbush building collapse to verify donation requests before paying. Disaster-related appeals can appear quickly, and a familiar charity name or logo does not prove that a particular email, text or social-media campaign is authorized.
Donors should identify the organizer, confirm that the named charity knows about the campaign and review platform fees and terms. Registered charities generally file reports with the state Charities Bureau. A donor can also ask which services and households will receive funds and how much of the organization's budget supports its stated mission.
The state advises against cash, gift cards and wire transfers. A check payable to the verified organization or the charity's own secure website provides a clearer record. Personal and payment information should not be supplied in response to an unexpected message until the recipient has been independently confirmed.
New organizations are not automatically fraudulent, but they warrant careful review because they may lack experience or infrastructure. Suspected misrepresentation can be reported through the Attorney General's complaint channel. Donors seeking immediate options should use verified relief information from city agencies and established community organizations rather than a link that cannot be confirmed.
Primary sources: New York Attorney General charitable-giving guidance after the Brooklyn collapse. Reviewed November 14, 2026. Development: Consumer guidance issued November 13, 2026.