A hurricane hit the eastern United States over the weekend and people are going to need help. State police issued warnings Friday to bear in mind when looking for ways to lend a hand.

The police warn of various Internet scamming techniques that are likely to be deployed in the coming days.

County residents should vet any organization or charity before making a donation. Websites such as guidestar.org, charitywatch.org and give.org provide reviews and ratings of nonprofit organizations and make it clear if an organization has complaints or court decisions to heed.

The police advocate donating to charities that residents already know and trust, and using such websites to reinforce that prior knowledge.

Illegitimate charities might call asking for donations directly, or personal information such as a person’s Social Security number. They may identify themselves falsely as government agencies or as personal victims of the hurricane.

Police also advise residents not to open attachments or click on links in emails they are not expecting.