Tips to Avoid Charity Fraud

Charity fraud does a lot of harm. The con artist takes advantage of people's good will and takes their cash - money that was meant for people in need. You can make sure that any money you give gets into the right hands.

Just remember these tips when somebody asks you for a donation.

• Always send a check made out to the charity and not the individual requesting
• Be suspicious of charities that only accept cash
• Ask for identification - the organization and the solicitor. Find out what the purpose of the charity is and how funds are used.
• Ask if contributions are tax deductible
• Check out the ones you've never heard of before, or others whose names are similar to a well-known charity
• Don't fall for high-pressure tactics. If solicitors won't take no for an answer, tell them NO anyway - but don't give them your money
• Give to charities that you know
• If you're not satisfied with the answers-don't give