Charitable donations are a great way to invest in your world, nation and community. The U.S. consumer protection agency, the FTC also know as the Federal Trade Commission, says it is smart to be careful when donating items in order to avoid scams artists that take this opportunity to take advantage of your generosity by taking your money.
ChecklistThe following are some precautions individuals might consider which will ensure that the donation dollars ends up with the individual, group or organization that needs the help. Whether an individual is solicited by a person, e-mail, phone, professional fundraisers, or volunteers, these tips will give helpful guidance for donating.
- Be careful of a charity that all of a sudden appears and states they are connected to a natural disaster or current events.
- Inquire about written information concerning the charity such as telephone number, address, and name. A charity that is legitimate will submit to you information concerning the charity or fundraisers’ mission, tax deductible proof, and how the donation is to be used.
- Connect with the office that manages charitable solicitations and charitable organizations within you state to check out if the fundraiser or charity is required to be registered. If the charity is supposed to be registered make sure the company you are about to make donations to is registered.
- You can also check with appropriate state offices to verify the amounts of your donation that will go to charity and the amount that will go management expenses.* Phone the Charity to find out if they know about the solicitation and if they have given authorization for the use of their name.
- If you want you donation to support t local organizations such as with the hospital, police department or fire department you can call the organization to find out if the claim is valid.