GoFundMe shares verified fundraisers for victims in Waukesha parade tragedy

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- GoFundMe is making sure your money is going to the right place after multiple fundraisers are popping up to help the victims in Waukesha.

"Scammers will try to capitalize on a tragedy like this," Lisa Schiller, spokesperson for the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau, said.

That's why it's important to double check and make sure your money is going to the right place.

"Before clicking on a link and making a donation, you want to take a step back and know who you're donating to," Schiller said.

Thankfully, GoFundMe is making it easy. The site has created a verified page with links to verified fundraisers for each family. So far, 18 of them are verified, which includes help for the Waukesha Xtreme Dance team and the Waukesha South band. 

GoFundMe is monitoring the platform closely and will update the list as more official fundraisers pop up.

"You want to be sure they're getting the money you're donating and it's going directly to the family," Schiller said.

Lisa Schiller said it is also a good idea to contact the creator of the GoFundMe and ask questions.

"Exactly how they are related, how they intend to get the money to the individual. Is there going to be some type of follow-up? Will they be posting follow-ups on those GoFundMe pages to let any donors know when the money is given to the family?" she said.

If you are going to donate through a charity, double check if it's verified through the state. 

"If the charity is not registered, that may be a red flag," she said.

Schiller also recommends only donating with a credit card or check.