1. Tis the seasonof giving– and that can mean big moneyfor scammers!
We’re quicklyapproachingthattime of yearwhenthe airis filledwith the smell of fall, the airiscrisp
and inviting,familygathersaroundtovisit – and the phone ringswith someone askingustodonate
moneytotheircause. And while Iamnot saying“don’tgive tocharity” – I personallydonate of my
time,energyandcashto worthycauses – I am sayingthat youneedtobe careful andbe aware. Most of
us getintothe spirit of giving,buyingandgiftingwithfull enthusiasm andwe letourguarddown – and
that’sexactly whatcharityscammersare bankingon.
It’simportantthat if youdon’tpersonallyknow the calleronthe otherendof the phone line orknowof
theirorganizationpersonallythatyouresearchthem. Anylegitimatecharitywon’tpressuretogive
“rightnow” –they’ll take yourmoneyanytime. Theywon’tbecome upsetor“pushy”if youdon’t want
to “give rightnow,today.” Scammersalwaysrelyonour emotionsbe theyfear,pain,anxiety,loveor
impatience. It’sduringthese emotionsthatwe give the mostwiththe leastamountof thought.
Here are a fewsitessponsoredbythe BetterBusinessBureau(BBB) youcanuse as researchtools:
 www.bbb.org
 www.give.org
 Call the BBB directly ontheirtoll-freelineat1-800-273-1002.
****in yourresearch,be wary of organizationswhose name isclose tothatof a “known”organization.
Scammersoftentimeswillchange justone wordinthe title of a real organizationtocreate a bogusone
inthe hopesthatloyal giverswon’tnotice andwill givetotheminsteadof the real charity.
Tipsfor makingsure yourmoneyisbeingsafelygivenandtoa real charity:
 DO NOT GIVECASH. Use a check and make sure it’smade out to the organizationandnotan
individual. Thiswayyoucan ensure thatthe moneyisgoingdirectlytothe charityand it’s
tractable for yourownfinancial records.
 Keepa record ofyour donation. Make sure it’sa 501C(3) andthat your donationisdeductible.
If it is you’ll needareceipttoprove the transactionif youclaimiton your taxes.
 Don’t give money on the spot.A real charitywill welcome yourmoneytodayortomorrow –
theywon’tbe concernedaboutthe timing.
 If you make a donation online – make sure that the website issecure andhave aprivacypolicy.
 Look for BBB accredited charities. These charitieshave metthe BBB’s20 Standardsof Charity
Accountability. BBBstaff have researchedthe charity,examinedtheirfinancial statements,
fundraisingmaterials,complaintsandannual reportsandgivesthe organizationarating.
If you are scammeddon’tbe embarrassed –get mad!Andcontact your local BBB right away – don’tlet
it happentosomeone else! Youcan alsoreporta scam usingthe new BBB Scam Tracker website at
www.bbb.org/scamtracker
Happy andsafe giving!