North Carolina Attorney General urges caution when donating to charities during the holiday season
As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving is palpable. However, amidst the goodwill, scammers lurk, ready to take advantage of people’s generosity. In his November column, Attorney General Stein of North Carolina warns residents to be cautious when donating to charities. With scammers attempting to deceive well-intentioned individuals, it is crucial to ensure that donations make a genuine impact.
Research the organization:
Attorney General Stein advises individuals to thoroughly research organizations before making a donation. Verifying the legitimacy of a program can be done by calling the Attorney General’s office at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or checking 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, or GuideStar can provide valuable insights into a charity’s ratings and history.
Don’t respond to unsolicited communication:
Unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages requesting donations should be treated with caution. Scammers may create messages that appear genuine and tug at heartstrings, but they are often phishing scams. Instead, individuals should proactively reach out to the causes or charities they wish to support.
Watch out for social media and crowdfunding scams:
Social media platforms and crowdfunding websites have become popular avenues for charitable giving. However, scammers can exploit these platforms by creating fake causes. Attorney General Stein advises potential donors to research the organizer before contributing. If the organizer’s details do not align with the post or cannot be found online, it is best to refrain from donating. Only donate to crowdfunding campaigns where the organizer’s identity and the allocation of funds can be verified.
Avoid certain payment methods:
To ensure security and maintain tax records, it is recommended to donate using a credit card. Scammers often request wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency as payment options because they are harder to dispute. If paying by check, it should be made out to the charity itself, not the fundraiser. Legitimate charities will never ask for donations through the purchase or redemption of gift cards.
Do not succumb to pressure:
Individuals should be wary of telemarketers who use pressure tactics to secure immediate donations. Legitimate charities do not employ such tactics and will never rush or pressure donors. It is always best to reach out directly to the chosen charity to make a donation.
Conclusion:
During the holiday season, Attorney General Stein emphasizes the importance of ensuring that donations go to the intended cause, rather than lining the pockets of scammers. By conducting thorough research, avoiding unsolicited communication, being cautious of social media and crowdfunding scams, using secure payment methods, and resisting pressure tactics, individuals can make their donations count. Should anyone fall victim to a scam, the North Carolina Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division stands ready to assist. Let this season of giving be marked by generosity and vigilance.
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