In Puerto Rico, check the Department of State's Registry of Corporations

If the entity claims to be a non-profit, check to see if they are registered under Section 1101.01 of the Internal Revenue Code, and whether they have tax exemption. 

FEMA, the American Red Cross, and platforms such as Charity Navigator publish lists of legitimate organizations and their history of fund use. 

Check if they're in the IRS Exempt Organizations Guide

Look for their official website, verified social networks, and news about them in recognized media. 

Be suspicious if they only have new profiles or those with little activity.

Ask for information on how donations are distributed, as well as previous fundraising activities.

Never donate through links via text messages, social networks, or unsolicited emails. 

Always access them through their official website, and enter it yourself in your browser. 

Alleged contractors offer to repair your roof or structure, then ask for payment in advance and never return. Learn how to verify whether they're legitimate: 

In Puerto Rico, access the Contractor Registry from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Check with the Engineers and Surveyors Association if they claim to be engineers or architects.

You can also check with the Contractors Examination Board to find out if they're properly authorized.

Ask for past customers' photos, addresses, and contacts, and call them for references. 

Search for their name in Google, and include words such as "fraud," "scam," or "complaint."

Check out comments on social media and local community forums.

A legitimate contractor must have liability insurance and, if applicable, building permits.

You can confirm permits with the Municipality, or at the Office of Permit Management (Spanish acronym OGP).