South Shore Police Alert Residents of Marathon Related Scams

The Hingham Police are asking residents who want to support victims of the Boston Marathon attacks to do their homework before they donate to charities.

Hingham Police along with other South Shore departments and Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office have noticed fraudulent websites that have popped up in the aftermath of other national tragedies, including the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown and believe there will be similar ones created in wake of the Marathon.

“A legitimate charity will tell donors how it's using the money after a disaster,” Hingham Police said in a statement.

Coakley's office offered a handful of tips, including getting to know the charity by taking time to verify the address, phone number, and contact information and reviewing the website and written material. When possible, consider the charity's history. Be wary of appeals that are "long on emotion," according to Coakley's office.

More than 125 website domain names relating to the Boston Marathon explosions were registered within a few hours of the attacks Monday, according to Consumer Affairs Undersecretary Barbara Anthony.

“Do not pay cash & never give a credit card number to a fundraiser over the phone,” police said.

Websites such as Charitynavigator.org and BBB.org/charity help donors get additional information on a particular charity.