Charities often spend the holiday season stepping up their efforts to solicit donations. Unfortunately, “fake” charities do the same thing.
This holiday season make sure you aren’t donating to a scammer. Some telltale signs of a “fake” charitable organization, from Newsday:
The Federal Trade Commission recommends you just say no to any solicitation if the representative asks for money but:
REFUSES TO GIVE YOU FULL DETAILS about the group’s identity, mission, costs and how it will use your donation.
USES HIGH-PRESSURE TACTICS like trying to get you to donate immediately, before you can do research or think it over.
ASKS YOU TO SEND CASH or use a money transfer.
OFFERS TO SEND A COURIER or overnight delivery service to collect the donation immediately.
PROMISES TO ENTER YOU IN A SWEEPSTAKES or give you a prize for donating.
WON’T PROVIDE PROOF that your contribution is tax deductible.
USES A NAME that closely resembles a better-known, reputable organization.
THANKS YOU FOR A PLEDGE you don’t remember making.
Some scammers focus on specific causes to play on your generosity. Rip-off artists often focus on emotional appeals or disasters in the news.
The Federal Trade Commission notes an increase of fraudulent charitable solicitations for veterans and military families, as well as calls on behalf of police and firefighters. In both cases, ask for identification, how your contribution will be used and if your contribution is tax-deductible.
If you are unsure, call the organization to verify a fundraiser’s claim that he or she is collecting on behalf of the group.
If you think you’ve come across a scammer masquerading as a charity, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission here.
Photo by Gray Lensman QX! via Flickr CC License
