More than $1 billion has been pledged to rebuild the Notre Dame Cathedral in the wake of the disastrous fire a week ago. And the Federal Trade Commission warns that the global emotional response to the decimated 856-year-old cultural and religious landmark can easily be manipulated by crooks who exploit tragedies to scam donors out of their charitable donations.

“Many generous people may decide to donate money toward rebuilding efforts — and scammers know that,” the FTC wrote in a blog post on Monday. “They’re ready to take donations, too.”

Indeed, con artists often try profiting off topical subjects, such as robocalls and email pleas flooding your phone and inbox following a national tragedy, or around the holidays when people feel more inclined to give. For example, viral GoFundMe campaign to support a homeless man was revealed to be a hoax last November — but not until after the couple behind the phony fundraiser had pulled in more than $400,000 from 14,000 people, and squandered it before their arrest.

See: Here’s why you’re getting so many spam phone calls

The FTC shared some tips for making sure your donation goes to a legitimate organization or project that will have the most impact.

1. Research the organization. Search online for the name of the organization or project, plus the word “complaint” or “scam.” Read what others say the about it. And watchdogs like BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Navigator can also help your research. Certainly do your homework before donating to any organization that you are not familiar with.

2. Ask questions. If you get a call from someone asking for money to help rebuild the Cathedral, ask them how exactly your money will be used. When reading a donation or crowdfunding website, the online fundraisers should tell you who gets your donation and how your money gets to the charity. They should also tell you if they keep any part of your donation as a fee. These details should be clear and easy to find without hunting through fine print. If the details are not clear, consider taking your donation money elsewhere.

3. Be aware that donations to foreign organizations generally are not tax deductible. If tax deductions are important to you, make sure the group is established in the U.S. Check the IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search to see if your donation would be tax deductible. Remember that donations to individuals, like in crowdfunding sites, are not tax deductible.

Or read here for more tips to avoid charity scams, particularly on crowdfunding sites.