MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Everywhere you look, there’s a reminder that we’re in the midst of the season of giving.
JoAnne Leike said she supports several charities.
“I’m always glad to give,” said Leike. “Salvation Army whenever I go up to a store, I always like to put money in their little pot.”
Charities depend on the holidays for your help.
Research showed charitable organizations rake in up to a third of their donations this time of year.
It’s also the same time crooks take advantage of that generosity.
“Sometimes they’ll call and say you gave last year, are you going to give this year and in some cases, you’ve never even given money at all,” said Randy Hutchinson, the President of the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South.
Hutchinson also said bogus charities will often use names similar to those of legitimate charities.
Other red flags:
- Watch out for appeals that are long on emotion, but short on specifics.
- Don’t fall for high pressure tactics.
“A legit charity, they want to get your money as soon as possible, but they’ll take it tomorrow as much as today,” Hutchinson told WREG.
Research before giving
- Check with your state regulatory agency to find out if a charity is registered to do business (TN Secretary of State, MS Secretary of State, AR Attorney General)
- Check out sites like the Wise Giving Alliance, Guide Star and Charity Navigator to see how non-profits spend their money.
- A good rule of thumb is $0.65 for every dollar raised should be going to the organization’s mission.
- Even for real charities, be cautious if the group spends more on salaries and professional fundraising than its mission.
“The less legit, or out and out scammers are just dialing for dollars,” Hutchinson added.
Charity Dos and Don’ts
- Don’t give cash or wire money.
- If you’re donating online, be sure website is secure.
- Be careful with links and attachments in unsolicited emails or on social media. Those are likely phishing attempts.