Charity Scams: Warnings About Giving.....

rockin'robin · 10-05-2009, 08:08 PM

KNOW THE SIGNS:

1. Be alert to names that sound slightly "off." Same goes for logos.
2. If a group refuses to send you written information, that's a bad sign.
3. If the person soliciting your contribution can't answer basic questions about the organization, be wary.
4. If you receive a thank-you note or an invoice for a contribution you never pledged to make, that's a classic tactic. Don't fall for it.
5. Solicitors who pressure you to give on the spot are not to be trusted. The need will still exist after you've done your homework.
6. Charities that offer to send a courier or private shipper to pick up your contribution may be trying to avoid mail fraud laws.

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

1. What's the full name, address and phone number of the charity?
2. Do you work directly for the charity, or are you a paid fundraiser? If paid, what percentage does your company keep?
3. What will my contribution be used for?
4. Can you send me literature about the charity and a financial statement so I can decide whether to give?
5. Is my contribution tax deductible?
6. Are you a 501(c)(3) organization?

DO YOUR HOMEWORK:

1. Before you give, make sure the charity is registered with your state, if required. Some tiny charities and church groups do not have to register.
2. Also check with one of the private watchdog groups that monitors charities. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance's Web site is For Charities and Donors - U.S. BBB. You can find the American Institute of Philanthropy at www.charitywatch.org.
3. The state or a watchdog group should be able to tell you if the group is a bona fide 501(c)(3). If not you can check with the IRS by going to Internal Revenue Service and looking for publication number 78. Or call the IRS customer service number, (877) 829-5500.
4. Make your payment by check or credit card, so there's an independent record of your gift. Never use cash.

Charity Scams: Warnings About Giving - ABC News

webexplorer · 10-05-2009, 11:04 PM

There is one problem on number 2 ("DO YOUR HOMEWORK").

U.S. BBB receives the payments from the company and charity owners. If the owners are upset about their reputation from some customers' complaints, they will stop paying the payments to BBB. The BBB have to get their money in order to waive their records. It is almost worthless.

10-05-2009, 08:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
rockin'robin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 2,782	Charity Scams: Warnings About Giving..... KNOW THE SIGNS: 1. Be alert to names that sound slightly "off." Same goes for logos. 2. If a group refuses to send you written information, that's a bad sign. 3. If the person soliciting your contribution can't answer basic questions about the organization, be wary. 4. If you receive a thank-you note or an invoice for a contribution you never pledged to make, that's a classic tactic. Don't fall for it. 5. Solicitors who pressure you to give on the spot are not to be trusted. The need will still exist after you've done your homework. 6. Charities that offer to send a courier or private shipper to pick up your contribution may be trying to avoid mail fraud laws. QUESTIONS TO ASK: 1. What's the full name, address and phone number of the charity? 2. Do you work directly for the charity, or are you a paid fundraiser? If paid, what percentage does your company keep? 3. What will my contribution be used for? 4. Can you send me literature about the charity and a financial statement so I can decide whether to give? 5. Is my contribution tax deductible? 6. Are you a 501(c)(3) organization? DO YOUR HOMEWORK: 1. Before you give, make sure the charity is registered with your state, if required. Some tiny charities and church groups do not have to register. 2. Also check with one of the private watchdog groups that monitors charities. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance's Web site is For Charities and Donors - U.S. BBB. You can find the American Institute of Philanthropy at www.charitywatch.org. 3. The state or a watchdog group should be able to tell you if the group is a bona fide 501(c)(3). If not you can check with the IRS by going to Internal Revenue Service and looking for publication number 78. Or call the IRS customer service number, (877) 829-5500. 4. Make your payment by check or credit card, so there's an independent record of your gift. Never use cash. Charity Scams: Warnings About Giving - ABC News

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10-05-2009, 11:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
webexplorer I'm listening to everyone Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New England Posts: 4,504	There is one problem on number 2 ("DO YOUR HOMEWORK"). U.S. BBB receives the payments from the company and charity owners. If the owners are upset about their reputation from some customers' complaints, they will stop paying the payments to BBB. The BBB have to get their money in order to waive their records. It is almost worthless.