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Americans have always been altruistic, quick to respond
to victims' needs and ready to lend a helping hand or much-needed
cash.
In response to Hurricane Katrina, the American Red
Cross launched the largest mobilization of resources in its history
for a single natural disaster. From mobilizing shelters, staff and
volunteers, emergency response vehicles and hot meals, snacks and
bottled water, the Red Cross has prepared its relief efforts for
storm victims on all fronts.
While the disasters change, from tsunamis, earthquakes,
hurricanes, tornadoes and forest fires to terrorist actions, the
financial support needed to help others pick up their lives is always
the same.
Unfortunately, scam artists know this charitable trait
well and often are waiting with a con to cheat both givers and recipients.
The schemes come through the mail, via telephone and
e-mail and by knocks at the door. While many legitimate organizations,
such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, collect for well-deserved
and Internal Revenue Service-approved causes, you need to be alert
to scam artists.
Here's how to make sure your heartfelt donations go
to the right cause:
Don't be rushed. Do
not feel pressured to make an immediate commitment -- "deadlines"
are a characteristic of a scam. Ask the caller or e-mail sender
to provide written information on the charity's programs and finances
before you make a contribution decision.
Ask questions. Who
does this contribution assist? Does your organization intend to
meet immediate or long-term needs of those victimized by this tragedy,
or both? How much goes to victims? How much goes to administration?
Even newly established charities should have written material available
describing their programs, anticipated expenditures and how they
will carry out activities.
Get it in writing.
Always ask for, and wait until you receive, written material about
any offer or charity. Remember, telephone con artists are skilled
at sounding believable -- even when they're lying. There's no need
to rush to a decision.
Verify. Always make
an independent verification of the solicitor's identity before sending
a contribution. Call or write the organization's headquarters. Contact
your local charity registration office (usually an arm of your state's
attorney general's office) or the Better Business Bureau's Wise
Giving Alliance to confirm.
Hang on to your cash.
Do not pay with cash. Use a check and make it out to the organization,
not the individual collecting the donation.
Be stingy with personal information.
Do not give your credit card account information over the telephone
or online. Always check out the organization before giving any personal
information. This could be a ruse to obtain the card number for
illegitimate purposes.
Call the authorities.
If you cannot verify an organization or you are suspicious of the
solicitation, contact the police or the FBI.
See also: Your
donations can help you out at tax time
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