People are generally kind, and gullible.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the Better Business Bureau are telling state residents to be wary of potential fraudulent efforts to collect “disaster relief” for the victims of the killer tornado that hit Moore, Okla. this month.

“I join the Better Business Bureau and Secretary of State in expressing sympathy to the families who’ve lost loved ones or their homes in this disaster,” said Ferguson in a press release.

“I know many share my concerns and want to provide assistance right away—but it is important to exercise caution and make sure your money helps those who truly need it.”

BBB, the AG and the Secretary of State's office has this list of guidelines to follow:

• Be suspicious of solicitors requesting immediate donations. Don’t rush decisions and consider contributing at give.org, a website run by the Council of Better Business Bureaus.
• Make sure that charities are qualified to provide the type of disaster relief that is necessary.
• Avoid cash donations. Write a check directly to the charity, not the fundraiser.
• Never give out credit card numbers over the phone.
• Be wary of “new” charities with unverifiable background information.
• Watch out for solicitations from fake “victim” or memorial social media accounts.

The Eastern Washington, North Idaho, Montana Better Busines Bureau sent out a warning related to ads by a company offering “Rich Dad” financial training sessions in Kennewick and in Spokane this week.

The BBB email specifically notes that the company, RichDad Education, has earned an “F” rating with the BBB back in its home state of Florida. That score results from failure to respond to complaints and questions.

The BBB's release and further information on the company is at this link.

The Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Washington, North Idaho and Montana has noticed a rash of spam efforts directed at people who might be members of the Bank of Whitman.

The BBB said, in an announcement, that people are getting message purportedly from the bank.

The messages cover a variety of possible contact reasons; “your account is closed” or “your account needs to be updated” are two examples mentioned. Some come in text messages, others in e-mail.

As with any curious or unexpected message from any bank, the BBB wants people to avoid responding. That’s rule one.