CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WDBJ) – West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is encouraging people to think before they open their wallet this holiday season.
The advice comes as part of the Attorney General’s Holiday Consumer Protection Week.
Morrisey says people should make sure the money will actually support the desired cause before donating and to beware of those who may look to take advantage of the goodwill of others.
Anyone with questions about the legitimacy of a charity or organization can go to the Secretary of State’s website to see if the charity is registered to solicit donations in West Virginia. Consumers may also research the charity on websites such as CharityNavigator.org or GuideStar.org.
Those interested in knowing if a donation is tax-deductible can access the U.S. Internal Revenue Service’s Tax Exempt Organization Search at https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/.
Those making an online contribution should make sure the website starts with https:// when visiting the donation portal. This verifies a secure connection, making it less likely for personal information to be stolen.
Additional tips to keep in mind during the season of giving are:
- Never feel pressured to donate immediately.
- Be wary of charities that ask for donations in cash or via wire transfer.
- If the organization is unfamiliar, gather as much information as possible and do research.
- Scams may use sympathetic-sounding names that are similar to the names of legitimate charities.
- Be suspicious if an …
