McGuire Offers Tips to Avoid Getting Caught in Scammers' Holiday Schemes
It’s no accident that this time of year is known throughout the world as the ‘Season of Giving’. Every December we open our hearts and let those we care about know just how much they mean to us. Many of us also take this opportunity to give of ourselves in an effort to make in difference in the lives of those whom we may never have even met.
Sadly there are many out there who prey on that generosity. The following tips from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Trade Commission can help you make sure your donation makes it into the hands of someone in need and not into the pocket of a scammer.
You should steer clear of any charity that exhibits the following warning-signs:
- The charity refuses to provide you with written information about its identity, its mission, its costs, and how the donation will be used;
- The charity will not provide you any proof that a contribution to them is tax deductible;
- The charity gives you a name that closely resembles that of a better-known, reputable organization;
- The charity thanks you for a pledged contribution that you don’t remember making;
- The charity asks you for bank account or credit card information before you’ve reviewed the solicitor's information and agreed to contribute;
- The charity uses high-pressure tactics on you to obtain a donation before you’ve gotten the chance to make an informed decision about giving;
- The charity asks you for your donation in cash. For security and tax record purposes, it's best to pay by check, made payable to the beneficiary, not the solicitor. Also, understand that contributions made to a "tax exempt" organization are not necessarily tax deductible.
- The charity offers to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect your donation immediately;
With thousands of our brave men and women also deployed overseas this holiday season, you should be especially wary of appeals that tug at your heart strings, promising to take care of our soldiers. Although the Department of Defense does not endorse any specific war-related charity, you can visit their Web site at ww.army.mil/operations/oif/FAQ.html to find out about military relief societies that provide assistance to U.S. Servicemembers and their families.
Don’t be afraid to give to charity this holiday season. Generosity comes from the best place in our heart and by doing your homework you can make sure it gets to the right place too.
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