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Scammers Waste No Time After Connecticut Tragedy

DENVER (CBS4) - As Newtown, Conn. begins the long process of recovering from this nation's latest massacre, criminals are trying to capitalize on sympathies of those who want to help.

Sadly, it happened in Colorado after the Aurora theatre shooting this summer, and now the same thing is happening in Connecticut.

There have been reports of phony charity calls, supposedly on behalf of the families of victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting in Newtown.

MORE FROM CBSNEWYORK.COM: Newtown Shooting Coverage

According to the Better Business Bureau of Connecticut, deceptive fundraising has found its way into the community that is in mourning and still trying to come to terms with what took place there last Friday.

President of the BBB of Denver/Boulder urges those who want to donate to do their research and verify details before giving, especially now if claims are being made for associations connected to the school or area in Newtown.

Other tips are as follows:

- Do your homework. Always research charities on the BBB website before you give them money.

- Select a charity yourself. Charity cheats will use every method at their disposal to reach out to generous Americans in times of tragedy. So choose the charity yourself.

- Contact charities directly. Never click on links to charities on unfamiliar websites or in texts or emails. Those may take you to a lookalike website where you will be asked to provide financial information.

Make a legitimate donation to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund at the Newtown Savings Banks, 39 Main Street Newtown, CT 06470 -- or by calling (800) 461-0672 or donating online to newtown.uwwesternct.org.

LINK: Better Business Bureau

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