How to help Japan earthquake and tsunami. Avoid Scams (updated)

Updated March 18 Beware of online scams. Two Koreans were caught running an online fundraising campaign for quake-stricken Japan with a bank account falsely named as one acknowledged by the Japanese Red Cross, police said Friday.

PLEASE be cautious on donating money for Japan online. There are lots of SCAMS. Check the site first. Read on How to avoid online scams

There are more victims like them in Japan. Let us help them. The latest death toll is expected to top 10,000.

In the Philippines, here is how to donate through the Philippine Red Cross.

Let us remember how Japan often donated when other countries have experienced disasters, such as when Hurricane Katrina impacted the United States. Check out the organizations that are working on relief and recovery in the region.

AMERICAN RED CROSS: Emergency Operation Centers are opened in the affected areas and staffed by the chapters. This disaster is on a scale larger than the Japanese Red Cross can typically manage. Donations to the American Red Cross can be allocated for the International Disaster Relief Fund, which then deploys to the region to help. Donate here.

GLOBALGIVING: Established a fund to disburse donations to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Donate here.

SAVE THE CHILDREN: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. Donate here.

SALVATION ARMY: The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need. Donate here.

AMERICARES: Emergency team is on full alert, mobilizing resources and dispatching an emergency response manager to the region. Donate here.

CONVOY OF HOPE: Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance. Donate here.

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS: Putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities. Donate here.

SHELTER BOX: The first team is mobilizing to head to Japan and begin the response effort. Donate here.

(Source via Yahoo)

You can also help Japan with one code snippet:

<br /> <mce:script type=”text/javascript” src=””//www.hellobar.com/hellobar.js”” mce_src=””//www.hellobar.com/hellobar.js””></mce:script> <mce:script type=”text/javascript”><!– new HelloBar(1,9126); // –></mce:script><br /> <mce:noscript><!–Help The Victims of the 8.9 Earthquake in Japan by Spreading Awareness and Aid. Visit http://goo.gl/wjZQz to donate.<br /> –></mce:noscript>

That code can be used on a Tumblr, WordPress or Blogger blog, too; here are some detailed instructions.

Check out other news agencies and organizations extending their hand to help out Japan. CNN has a comprehensive list on “Tsunami aid and relief: How you can help” too. The curated tweets below updates help extended to Japan.