Beware: Charitable Giving

Investigate before you donate. Some con artists use names similar to well-known charities or pretend to be raising money for state or local law enforcement agencies.

• Ask for written information, including how much of the money raised is actually used for charitable purposes.
• Ask your Secretary of State if the charity is registered to solicit in your state.

Check the Better Business Bureau and others for information on charities: www.give.org, www.charitywatch.org, and www.guidestar.org.

Beware: Youth Peddling

Some for-profit companies use young salespersons to sell magazines and other items door-to-door. They trick consumers into believing they are giving money to legitimate charities because consumers tend to support young persons and youth programs. If a young person solicits you, ask for identification verifying the organization’s name, address and purpose. If the representative can’t provide this information, ask them to leave. Report suspicious people to your local police department and/or contact the child labor division of your state labor department listed in the phone book. Even if you are satisfied with the information provided, don’t feel pressured to make a purchase or contribute.