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Tis The Season To Not Get Scammed: Department of Consumer Affairs Urges Consumers
to Check Charities Thoroughly Before Donating

The holidays are here. It's the time of year when many people are in a giving mood and will donate money to charities. Unfortunately, it's also the season when scam artists prey on consumer's compassion and generosity.

To avoid becoming a victim of bogus holiday charity scams, consumers should thoroughly check out whom they're giving money to.

The California Attorney General's Web site, at ag.ca.gov/charities/, provides useful tips consumers should consider before donating to charities. They include:

• Check to see that the charity is registered in California with the Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trust. A searchable database is available on the Attorney General's Web site. Inclusion in the registry does not guarantee that the charity is legitimate or effective. But, it can tell you if the organization is current in its reporting requirements and give you access to financial records;
• Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion but short on what the charity will do to address the needs of recipients;
• Ask how much of your gift or contribution would be used for the charity mentioned in the appeal, and how much would go towards administrative and fund-raising costs. Generally, more than 50 percent of your contribution should go toward the charity;
• Find out what the charity intends to do with any excess contributions remaining after the needs of the recipients are addressed;
• While there may be a sense of urgency, remember there will be opportunities to give to other charities in the future;
• Check with your local Better Business Bureau before donating to any charity;
• Check out the "Tips for Charitable Giving" on the Better Business Bureau Web site: www.give.org; and
• Beware of charlatans who telephone and pose as members of a reputable charity. Their appeal may sound sincere and their organization may seem worthy. However, it's best to ask that more information be mailed to you so you can research the charity before you decide. If the caller refuses, don't donate, simply hang up. And, most importantly, never give out your credit card or bank account number.
• The Federal Trade Commission provides an "FTC Charity Checklist" on its Web site, http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/phone/charities.shtm, which also lists precautions that consumers should take when donating to charities.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs promotes and protects consumer interests. Call (800) 952-5210 or clickwww.dca.ca.gov. for information on a variety of consumer issues.

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