The fly-by-night charity. Every legitimate charitable association had a start date, and some are still being formed. But during a major crisis, such as a natural disaster, donate to charities that you trust, which means those with a proven track record. If you're unsure, check out a charity watchdog group for details.
The evasive caller. If you get a phone call from a charity, don't
be afraid to ask direct questions and expect direct answers. A legitimate
caller will be upfront about the charity, the percentage of funds allocated to
administration and marketing, and what target groups will be helped by your
donation. Beware of vague claims such as "educating the public" or "promoting
awareness."
The urgent online request. Social media postings, fake websites,
and emails brimming with desperate pleas for money may originate from the
backroom computer of a scam artist. Never divulge your financial information
via email and don't assume that social media messages about a particular charity
are legitimate.
You want your donations to
provide help where it is most needed, not line a fraudster's pocket. Take time
to make sure the charity you're donating to is legitimate.
