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 Green Bay-- Wisconsin agencies are warning people now about possible scams related to Hurricane Sandy relief. So, if you're not careful, the money you give may never do any good. The Better Business Bureaus says 15-hundred fake charities were identified in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Sandy has left a huge need for aid. Charities like American Red Cross were spending money on the storm before it even hit. "We were sending volunteers. We were pre-positioning supplies and that was before any money even came in," said Jody Weyers. Days later donations are coming in but, "The scammers are out in spades. People need to be cautious, especially if they get a request by text message or email or even telephone," said JoEllen Wollangk of the Better Business Bureau of Appleton.Reputable charities don't typically solicit.

Outside organizations may fundraise on behalf of other charities but should have set something up before collecting donations. "Then, if somebody does contact us and say hey, somebody is raising money for disaster relief, are they are legit, we can say, yup they contacted us," Weyers added.

Wollangk says it's always best to, "Keep the middle man out and give directly." And certainly there are other ways to donate if you're weary to send a check. For instance donating blood, or time. After all, time is money.