How Can You Help The Bahamas? Watch Out For Scams

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The death toll in the Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Dorian is at 20 and could rise.

Dorian ravaged Abaco Island and Grand Bahama for two days with 30 inches of rain. (CBS)

The Bahamas need our help. What can you do? And where can you go to do the most good and not get scammed?

The Red Cross has 200 volunteers in the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama. Shelter, food, water, medicine and communications are the most urgent needs. (NY Times)

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said people wishing to help could donate to the Salvation Army, which works closely with the government’s National Emergency Management Agency. (NY Times)

The NAB is a Bahamas-based nonprofit that has been operating since 1993. You can donate to relief efforts on its website.

The Bahamas has also set up an online resource center that is providing updates on relief efforts. (CNBC)

While a tax benefit may not be on your mind when you are giving, remember that donations to qualified organizations are tax deductible if you itemize your taxes.

And before you just give to an organization, crowdfunding, etc. - PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. We don't want you to get scammed. It would be a waste of funds and put your financial information at risk. The above resources we have sited have been checked by the various news agencies and resources listed as source credits.

We want you to help, but we don't want you to get scammed or hurt in the process.

(Video: Vice News)