Most people know to not make monetary donations to
organizations over the phone. Yet, some still do, not knowing that charitable
organization they just donated to is a fake. US Media Studios offers some
advice when the pleas for disaster relief start pouring in.
Do Your Due Diligence
Ask the caller for the name of their organization. Go to the Charity Navigator website and enter the name of the
organization. The site gives detailed information about the charity such as
funds raised, funds spent and where the funds are spent. The BBB notes the
number of complaints the organization received and how many were answered, and
issues resolved.
Delete emailed solicitation requests and don’t answer phone
calls if you don’t know the number. These are two common methods fake
charitable organizations contact people for money. Unknown emails can contain
malware.
While rare, US Media Studios knows there are still some
phony NGOs making the rounds and knocking on home doors. We advise readers to
not answer the door if you don’t know the person knocking. Better safe than
sorry.
If you do decide to donate to a charitable aid organization,
please use a credit card and not cash, checks or debit cards. Your money is as
valuable and needed by you as it is for any honest charity. Protect it.
Here are some credible links for checking a charity’s
reputation:
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