How to
avoid charity fraud and make the most of your donations.
Iowans give generously to charities and
good causes -- but some donations never reach the people who need help.
Some so-called “charities” are outright scams that pocket all the funds
people contribute. Other charities use professional fundraisers that eat
up 80% to 90% of the donations in "fundraising expenses," so almost
nothing is left for true charity. Fraudulent and questionable charities
cheat donors, hurt legitimate charitable organizations that rely on
donations – and shortchange people who truly need help.
Follow these tips to protect yourself
against charity fraud:
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Ask
questions. Reputable charities welcome questions. Ask how much of
your donation goes for the charitable purpose, and exactly how your
contribution will be used. Ask if the caller is a professional
fundraiser.
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Ask phone
solicitors to send written information. Check out the charity before
you make a decision. Be suspicious if they refuse to send solid
information. Check them out at the national Better Business Bureau “wise
giving” site – .
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Don't be
fooled by "look-alike" names. Some scams use names that sound
impressive and are designed to resemble well-respected organizations.
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Be very wary
of calls from supposed “law enforcement” or “firefighter” charities.
Contact your local sheriff or police department to check out claims that
a donation “will be used locally.” Ask for information in writing before
you agree to give. Ask if the caller is a paid professional fundraiser,
and ask how much of your gift will go to the charitable purpose and be
used in your community.
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Don't give
your credit card or checking account numbers over the phone to someone
you don't know.
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Give directly
to a known charity of your choice. That's always the best option.
Check your telephone directory for a charity's local office and contact
the office.
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There are many fine charities soliciting
contributions in Iowa, and the Attorney General's Office is eager to stop
scams and uphold the integrity of our system of giving. If you think you
may have been cheated by a fundraising scheme, write to the Attorney
General's Consumer Protection Division, Hoover Building, Des Moines, Iowa
50319. Call 515-281-5926, or 888-777-4590 toll free. The Web site is:
www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.org
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