Attorney General Stein’s November Column: Make Your Donations Count this Holiday Season

Protecting North Carolinians from Holiday Donation Scams

As the holiday season approaches, North Carolinians are gearing up to spread joy and generosity by making charitable donations. However, with the spirit of giving comes the unfortunate reality of scammers who seek to exploit people’s goodwill. In his November column, Attorney General Stein urges residents to exercise caution and take necessary steps to ensure their donations make a meaningful impact. By researching organizations, avoiding unsolicited solicitations, and being vigilant on social media, individuals can safeguard their donations and support legitimate causes.

Research the organization:

Attorney General Stein emphasizes the importance of researching charitable organizations before making a donation. To verify legitimacy, individuals can contact the Attorney General’s office at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or check the organization’s license with the Secretary of State. Additionally, resources such as the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and GuideStar provide ratings and historical information about charities.

Don’t respond to unsolicited communications:

Scammers often employ unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages to deceive potential donors. Attorney General Stein advises residents to exercise caution and refrain from responding to such communications. Instead, individuals should proactively reach out to their preferred charities directly to make a donation and avoid falling victim to phishing scams.

Watch out for social media and crowdfunding scams:

With the rise of crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, scammers have found new avenues to exploit people’s generosity. Attorney General Stein warns against contributing to crowdfunding campaigns without thoroughly researching the organizer. Verifying the organizer’s identity and ensuring the funds will reach the intended recipients is crucial in avoiding fraudulent causes.

Never pay with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency:

To safeguard financial transactions and maintain proper tax records, Attorney General Stein advises donating by credit card whenever possible. Scammers often request alternative payment methods, such as wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, making it difficult for donors to dispute transactions and recover their funds. It is essential to remain vigilant and only donate directly to the charity itself, not to any intermediaries.

Avoid giving under pressure:

Telemarketers may employ high-pressure tactics to coerce individuals into making immediate donations. Attorney General Stein advises against succumbing to such pressure and instead recommends reaching out to the chosen charity directly to make a donation. Legitimate charities will never rush or pressure individuals into giving, allowing donors to make informed decisions without regrets.

Conclusion:

This holiday season, Attorney General Stein urges North Carolinians to make their donations count by protecting themselves from scams. By conducting thorough research, avoiding unsolicited solicitations, being cautious on social media, using secure payment methods, and refusing to succumb to pressure, individuals can ensure their generosity benefits the causes they care about. In the spirit of giving, let us prioritize the well-being of our communities and support legitimate charities. In the unfortunate event of falling victim to a scam, individuals are encouraged to file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s office. Together, we can make a difference and spread joy during this festive season.


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