Published: 11/16/2022 5:31:47 PM
At the Consumer Protection Unit, we often receive calls from residents worried about callers who claim to be collecting donations on behalf of a fire, police, or other law enforcement organizations. Often the consumer feels uncertain about whether the charity is legitimate or even whether the caller is really who they say they are.
Be prepared: It’s the season of giving. While we’re busy searching for the perfect gifts for family and friends, charities are busy, too, making calls and sending out letters asking for donations. If you choose to donate, you want to be sure that your hard-earned money is going precisely to the cause you are aiming to support.
Unfortunately, bad actors also try to cash in on your generosity. According to the FBI, losses from fraud and scams related to fake charities quadrupled between 2018 and 2021, resulting in a total of more than $7.6 million in losses. But there are ways to ensure your donations will help make a difference in the charities you support.
First, think about how much you can afford to donate to charity this year. Decide which causes are most important to you and research charities that benefit that cause. Knowing this before you are solicited by phone or through the mail can help you decide which of all the deserving charities you choose to back with your financial support.
Verify before you donate, especially if contacted by phone. Make sure you know the name,…
