Protect Yourself from Scammers and Ensure Your Generosity Reaches Those in Need
As the holiday season approaches, North Carolinians are gearing up to spread joy and give back to their communities through charitable donations. However, with the spirit of giving comes the unfortunate reality of scammers preying on the goodwill of individuals. In his November column, Attorney General Stein urges citizens to exercise caution and take steps to ensure their donations make a meaningful impact. By researching organizations, avoiding unsolicited solicitations, and being vigilant on social media and crowdfunding platforms, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to scams and ensure their generosity reaches those in need.
Research the organization:
The first step in making your donations count is to thoroughly research the organization you plan to support. Attorney General Stein advises individuals to verify the legitimacy of a charity by contacting his office at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or checking the organization’s license with the Secretary of State. Additionally, trusted resources such as the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and GuideStar provide valuable insights into a charity’s ratings and history.
Don’t respond to unsolicited communications:
Unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages requesting donations should raise red flags. Scammers often employ tactics that tug at heartstrings, but it’s crucial to exercise caution. Instead of responding to these messages, Attorney General Stein recommends reaching out directly to the causes or charities you wish to support. By initiating contact, individuals can ensure their contributions go to legitimate organizations.
Watch out for social media and crowdfunding scams:
The rise of social media and crowdfunding platforms has provided scammers with new avenues to exploit unsuspecting donors. Attorney General Stein advises individuals to exercise due diligence before contributing to crowdfunding campaigns. Verifying the identity of the organizer and confirming that the funds will benefit the intended recipients is crucial. If any details seem suspicious or don’t align with the campaign’s purpose, it’s best to refrain from donating.
Avoid insecure payment methods:
To safeguard personal information and maintain accurate tax records, Attorney General Stein recommends donating by credit card. Scammers often request alternative payment methods such as wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrencies, as they are difficult to trace and dispute. It’s important to remember that legitimate charities will never ask for donations through these insecure channels. If donating by check, make it payable directly to the charity itself, not to a third party.
Don’t succumb to pressure:
Telemarketers may employ high-pressure tactics to coerce individuals into making immediate donations. Attorney General Stein advises against succumbing to such pressure and emphasizes that legitimate charities will never rush or pressure donors. If feeling rushed, it’s best to reach out to the chosen charity directly to make a donation at a time that feels comfortable.
Conclusion:
As the holiday season encourages us to reflect on the importance of giving, it is crucial to remain vigilant and protect ourselves from scammers. Attorney General Stein’s advice serves as a reminder to research organizations, avoid unsolicited communications, be cautious on social media and crowdfunding platforms, use secure payment methods, and resist pressure tactics. By following these guidelines, North Carolinians can ensure their donations have a positive impact and support the causes they care about. If anyone falls victim to a scam, Attorney General Stein urges them to file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division at ncdoj.gov/complaint or by phone at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. This holiday season, let’s make our donations count and spread the joy of giving to those who truly need it.
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