Was it your New Year’s resolution to donate to a charity? If so, you should be cautious when deciding which one to give your money to. While there are many worthy causes out there, unfortunately, there are also a lot of scam artists. Whether you’re contacted by an organization’s employees, volunteer workers or professional fund-raisers--and whether you're solicited by phone, mail or in person--you have to be on guard. Protect yourself from potential charity fraud with these easy steps.
Instructions
1. Be very skeptical of organizations that pop up whenever there is a natural disaster or unfortunate event. Their appeals will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings, but beware. Scam artists many times take advantage of these events by creating bogus fund-raising operations. Don’t let yourself be taken advantage of.
2. Ask for the exact name of the charitable organization you are dealing with. The solicitor should provide it immediately, but if he does not, be sure to ask. If you feel funny about the call or in-person solicitation, immediately end the interaction. People can be very persuasive, especially when it comes to face-to-face solicitation. Don't commit to anything on the spot. You need time to think it over and analyze. If the solicitor is pressuring you to make a decision, immediately end the conversation.
3. Ask for a precise breakdown of how your donation will be used, and for what purposes. Specifically, ask what percentage of your donation will be used to support the cause that is being supported and what will go to administrative costs of the organization.
4. If you are still wary, call the charitable organization the solicitor claims to be representing, to verify that they are aware of the solicitation taking place on their behalf.
5. If you are leaning toward making a donation, discuss it with a friend or relative.
6. Do not provide any credit-card or bank account information until you have verified all details with the charitable organization and made the ultimate decision to donate.
