Scam Watch
Signs of a Charity Scam
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), charities and fundraisers (groups that solicit funds on behalf of organizations) use the phone, face-to-face contact, email, the internet (including social networking sites), and mobile devices to solicit and obtain donations. Naturally, scammers use these same methods to take advantage of your goodwill. Regardless of how they reach you, be cautious of any charity or fundraiser that:
-Refuses to provide detailed information about its identity, mission, costs, and how the donation will be used, including what percent of your donation will go to the charity rather than to the caller or the caller’s company.
-Doesn’t provide proof that a contribution is tax deductible.
-Uses a sound-alike name that closely resembles that of a better-known, reputable organization.
-Thanks you for a pledge you don’t remember making.
-Uses high-pressure tactics such as trying to get you to donate immediately, without giving you time to think about it and do your research.
-Asks for donations in cash or asks you to wire money.
-Offers to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect the donation immediately.
-Guarantees sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution. By law, you never have to give a donation to be eligible to win a sweepstakes.
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