The Better Business Bureau is warning Albertans to be informed when they are donating money to help those impacted by the earthquake in Haiti.

The agency says after disasters like this, fraudulent charities tend to emerge to and try and scam donations from well-meaning Canadians.

"Not only do donors need to be concerned about avoiding fraud, they also need to make sure their money goes to competent relief organizations that are equipped and experienced to handle the unique challenges of providing assistance," says Daniel MacDonald, a spokesperson for the BBB.

Here are six tips to help decide where to direct donations:

Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity

Be cautious when relying on third-party recommendations such as bloggers or other Web sites, as they might not have fully researched the listed relief organizations. The public can visit bbb.org/canada to research charities and relief organizations to verify if they are accredited by the BBB; also, Revenue Canada provides valuable information to donors at cra.gc.ca/donors.

Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims

Despite what an organization might claim, charities have fund raising and administrative costs. Even a credit card donation will involve, at a minimum, a processing fee. If a charity claims 100 percent of collected funds will be assisting earthquake victims, the truth is that the organization is still probably incurring fund raising and administrative expenses. They may use some of their other funds to pay this, but the expenses will still be incurred.

Be cautious when giving online

Be cautious about online giving, especially in response to spam messages and emails that claim to link to a relief organization. In response to the tsunami disaster in 2004, there were concerns raised about many Web sites and new organizations that were created overnight allegedly to help victims. Never click on a link in an email from someone you don't know, and always ensure a site is secure before transmitting any personal information.

Find out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas

Unless the charity already has staff in the effected areas, it may be difficult to get new aid workers to quickly provide assistance. See if the charity's website clearly describes what they can do to address immediate needs.

Find out if the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups

Some charities may be raising money to pass along to relief organizations. If so, you may want to consider "avoiding the middleman" and giving directly to charities that have a presence in the region. Or, at a minimum, check out the ultimate recipients of these donations to ensure the organizations are equipped to effectively provide aid.

Gifts of clothing, food or other in-kind donations

In-kind drives for food and clothing--while well intentioned-- may not necessarily be the quickest way to help those in need - unless the organization has the staff and infrastructure to be able to properly distribute such aid. Ask the charity about their transportation and distribution plans. Be wary of those who are not experienced in disaster relief assistance.