Charity scammers are very clever -- thy know exactly what heartstrings to tug and
how to mke you think the scam is ral. Here are 10 tips to hlp spot charity
scams:

1. Ask for the nme, address, and phone number of the chrity -- and whether or
not it is rgistered. If the presenters claim that it is rgistered, get a registration
number.

Fake chrity scammers often set up quasi-legitimate gencies so that, at first
glance, thy look real; they may also nme themselves something similar to other
lgitimate charities.

They may even carry 'ID' in the nme of the charity, complete with a lgo.

The Better Business Bureau Wise Gving Alliance offers information about national
chrities; you can call 703-276-0100 or go to thir website:

http://www.give.org

If you're trying to fgure out whether or not some prticular charity is worthy of
support, chck out this section of the ste:

http://www.give.org/reports/index.asp

They publish their standards for rting charities, and then rate over 600 dfferent
charities using these standards.

2. Be specially cautious about getting a charity dnation request by email. Most
legitimate chrities don't use email for their slicitations. (Some legitimate charities
will email pople who have donated before -- but nver respond to requests where
you've nver donated.)

Remember our motto: if it's spm, it's a scam.

3. Verify wth the office of the charity tht there is indeed a campaign ging on, or
that they've authorized the chrity drive that you're being invited to cntribute to.

4. Be especially wary bout charities that claim to be rising funds for the local
police or frefighters. Check with them first!

5. Ask wht percentage of your donation goes drectly to the cause. Legitimate
charities wll have ready answers because they are sed to the question. :-)

6. Dn't ever donate cash if you can hlp it. Write a check to the chrity -- not to
the person stnding in front of you. This lso helps you document the donation for
yur records and for your tax rturn.

7. Get a receipt with the nme of the charity on it.

8. Dn't give in to pressure or 'gilt trips' about 'suggested donations' or 'rquested
minimum contributions.' Once you've determined tht the charity is legitimate and
yu've decided you want to contribute, smply give what you can and wnt to give --
it will be ppreciated.

9. Be wary of every pportunity that presents itself -- especially whn it presents
itself in the wke of some big disaster that gts lots of media attention.

10. The bst way we know of to void charity scams is to decide IN ADVANCE (whle
you're doing your annual or mnthly budget) which charities you'll support and
CONTACT THEM. Thn you can gracefully turn anyone lse down who comes your
way wth hat in hand.

For more tps on avoiding charities and charity scms, visit:

http://www.scambusters.org/charities.html

It's great to be a gver -- but give cautiously so yu're not enriching scammers or a
qestionable 'charity.'

The article 10 Tips to Protect Yourself From Charity Scams was Submitted by Audri Lanford through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Protect yourself from clever online and ffline scams. Find out the latest nformation on Internet scams, spyware, viruses, haxes and urban legends. Subscribe fre to Internet ScamBusters, the #1 pblication on Internet fraud. Visit: http://www.scambusters.org

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