The Importance of Vigilance When Donating to Charities During the Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, North Carolinians are gearing up to spread the spirit of giving by donating to charitable organizations. However, amidst the genuine acts of generosity, scammers are waiting to take advantage of people’s goodwill. Attorney General Stein urges individuals to exercise caution and ensure their donations make a meaningful impact. By following a few simple guidelines, donors can protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes and ensure their contributions go to legitimate causes.
Research the organization:
Before making a donation, it is crucial to verify the legitimacy of the charity or non-profit organization. Attorney General Stein advises individuals to conduct thorough research by checking the organization’s license with the Secretary of State or contacting his office at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. Additionally, trusted resources such as the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar provide valuable insights into a charity’s ratings and history.
Beware of unsolicited communication:
Scammers often employ unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages to deceive potential donors. These messages may appear genuine and tug at heartstrings, but they could be phishing scams. Attorney General Stein urges individuals to exercise caution and avoid responding to unsolicited communications. Instead, donors should proactively reach out to the causes or charities they wish to support directly.
Vigilance on social media and crowdfunding platforms:
The rise of social media and crowdfunding platforms has facilitated the spread of charitable causes, but it has also provided scammers with new avenues to exploit unsuspecting donors. Attorney General Stein advises individuals to exercise caution when donating to crowdfunding campaigns. It is crucial to research the organizer thoroughly and verify their identity and the legitimacy of the cause before contributing.
Secure payment methods:
To ensure security and maintain accurate tax records, it is advisable to donate using a credit card. Scammers often request alternative payment methods such as wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency because they are difficult to dispute. Furthermore, if donating by check, it is essential to make it payable to the charity itself, rather than an intermediary fundraiser. Legitimate charities will never ask donors to purchase or redeem gift cards on their behalf.
Avoid pressure tactics:
Donors should be wary of telemarketers employing high-pressure tactics to elicit immediate donations. Attorney General Stein advises individuals not to succumb to such tactics and to take the time to make an informed decision. Legitimate charities will never rush or pressure individuals into giving. It is always best to directly reach out to the chosen charity to make a donation.
Conclusion:
During the holiday season, the act of giving back to the community takes on special significance. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant and protect oneself from scammers seeking to exploit the generosity of others. By conducting thorough research, avoiding unsolicited communication, being cautious on social media and crowdfunding platforms, using secure payment methods, and resisting pressure tactics, donors can ensure their contributions make a meaningful impact. Attorney General Stein emphasizes the importance of reporting any scams to his office’s Consumer Protection Division, allowing them to take action against fraudulent individuals and organizations. Let this holiday season be a time of giving that truly benefits those in need.
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