The Oregon Department of Emergency Management in a press release urged Oregonians to make donations through secure websites and research a contractor’s history before paying for debris removal or home repairs. Emergency department officials referred to the state Department of Justice’s Charitable Activities website, where Oregonians can verify the authenticity of a nonprofit or professional fundraising firm. The Oregon Department of Justice also operates a scam alert system that state officials encourage people to use. People who believe a fundraising campaign or donation request is fraudulent can reach out to the Oregon Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1‑877‑877‑9392 or go to OregonConsumer.gov. • Verify a contractor’s identity through state licensing boards such as the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.