Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine warns Ohioans to watch for scams when contributing to help the relief effort for Japan.

“Ohioans should be commended for wanting to help victims, but they should be wary that their generosity is not exploited by scam artists,” DeWine said.

If you’re approached to make a donation:

• Ask how your money will be used.
• Ask whether the person requesting the donation is a professional solicitor and, if so, what percentage of donations will stay with the charity.
• Beware of alleged charities using names that are similar to those of larger, respected organizations.
• Don’t contribute to any charity that is unable or unwilling to answer your questions.
• When solicited by phone, ask the caller to send you printed material about the charity.
• Do not give personal information such as credit-card numbers or bank-account numbers over the phone.
• Decline any offers by the solicitor to pick up your donation in person.
• Do not pay in cash or make your donation payable to an individual.

Reputable organizations

• American Red Cross: The Red Cross is in Japan helping with emergency relief, food and shelter. To donate, go to www.redcross.org. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018. Donors also can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to contribute $10.

• Global Giving: The agency is helping other groups with emergency relief. To donate: www.globalgiving.org; Global Giving, Japan relief, 1023 1st St. NW, 12th floor, Washington, DC 20005; or text JAPAN to 50555 to contribute $10.

• International Medical Corps: The corps is sending a team to Japan to help with medical needs. To donate: www.internationalmedicalcorps.org; Development Department, International Medical Corps, 1919 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 400, Santa Monica, CA 90404; 1-800-481-4462; or text MED to 80888 to contribute $10.

• AmeriCares: AmeriCares is providing emergency relief and expects to be on the ground in Japan this weekend. To donate: www.americares.org or 88 Hamilton Ave., Stamford, CT 06902

• Save The Children: This organization helps children displaced by the earthquake, providing emergency relief. To donate: www.savethechildren.org; 54 Wilton Rd., Westport, CT 06880; 1-800-728-3843; or text JAPAN to 20222 to contribute $10.

• Salvation Army: To support the Salvation Army’s Japan relief efforts, you can donate online at donate.salvationarmyusa.org; call 1-800-SAL-ARMY; text the words JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation; or mail a check marked “Japan earthquake relief” to The Salvation Army World Service Office International Relief Fund, P.O. Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-0728

Contacting loved ones

Time Warner Cable is offering free calling to Japan through April 15. The offer applies to calls placed by its digital phone customers, both residential and business class, and is retroactive to Friday. The offer applies to direct calls; calls to operators or directory assistance will be charged at the normal rate, the company said.

Sources: Ohio attorney general’s office, The Seattle Times, Time Warner Cable