HOUSTON -- Americans across the country want to donate to help the families of victims from last week's terrorist attacks. However, many worry that their money will end up in the wrong hands, and not with those who need it most.

News2Houston consumer investigator Emily Akin reported Thursday that the Internet is an easy way to check out a charity.

First, visit the charity section of the local Better Business Bureau's Web site at www.bbbhou.org.

The Web site provides a list of organizations that have been approved by the BBB for victims of the World Trade Center attacks.

Another way to check out a charity is through www.Guidestar.org. Tax exempt numbers are used to search for information on a charity.

But what if you don't have time to investigate a charity?

"You're better off going to the major non-profit charity organizations (like the American Red Cross or United Way)," Dan Parsons, with the Better Business Bureau, said.

If you receive any suspicious solicitations, report it to the Texas Attorney General's office at (800) 337-3928.

More Information:

• List Of Approved Charities For Sept. 11 Terrorist Attacks
• www.bbbhou.org
• www.Guidestar.org