By now you’ve surely seen the devastating images of the earthquake that rocked the small Caribbean nation of Haiti on Tuesday, leaving thousands dead and an estimated 3 million people affected.

It is impossible to watch any media reporting of the event and not feel moved to support those who have lost so much and need so much help right now. This isn’t an American tragedy but a humanitarian one that affects the whole planet.

Still, this is the time to be moved, and to give help, but not to get scammed, or waste your resources. Here are some tips for ways you can reach out, safely and securely, and give a true helping hand to those who need it.

1. Yes, you really can donate $10 through your cell phone. The charge will show up on your next bill, without hidden fees except the cost of the text message (and most carriers are even chipping in the cost of the text message). If you’ve never sent money or made a payment via your cell before, this might seem odd at first, but it’s a legitimate and easy way to help.

2. Watch out for scams. Give to recognized charities, not makeshift ones that have popped up in the last couple of days. Don’t give actual cash; use credit cards or other documented methods of giving like cell phone donation.

“Whenever there is a major natural disaster, there are two things you can count on,” said Art Taylor, president and chief executive of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. “The first is the generosity of Americans willing to donate time and money to help victims and the second is the appearance of poorly run and, in some cases, fraudulent charities.”

3. Double your impact by asking your employer if they will match your contribution.

4. Don’t send stuff; send money. Right now, the island is overwhelmed. Relief ships can’t get in because the ports were damaged, and the airspace has been restricted for 48 hours so supply planes haven’t been able to land. What the aid agencies on the ground in Haiti truly need is money. That allows them to direct help where it’s needed. Today that might be medical supplies or food for volunteers; next week it might be clothes and shelter for refugees.

It is sad to say, but it is a sure bet that if you box up and send a bunch of supplies off, your generosity is likely to go unused. Give money, and let the rescue operations decide how best to spend it.

5. Consider giving later, if you can. Think about New Orleans, which is still rebuilding, almost five years after Hurricane Katrina. Haiti will need help for a long time to come, and if you can’t swing a donation today, just make a promise to yourself that you will contribute what you can later when you are able. It will still be needed, and appreciated.

And last but never least: send your prayers and good thoughts—for the families divided, the parents who’ve lost their children, all those who are critically injured and awaiting medical treatment, the relief workers who are dealing with heartbreaking scenarios and soldiering on.