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Fraudulent Public Safety Fundraising
17 February 2009
Don't be a victim to fraudulent organizations claiming to be raising funds for public safety! We all want to contribute to a good cause and, no matter the size of our contribution, we want to know that our donation is going to the right place. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous organizations out there that are soliciting donations claiming to be affiliated with police, fire, and veterans organizations or using names suggesting they are supporting such organizations. Donors contribute based on the belief they are assisting worthwhile organizations when, in fact, this is not always the case. Become an educated contributor. Outlined below are some guidelines to consider before you contribute to any organization: When solicited by a charity, learn about the organization, its activities, and its fundraising practices.Ask if the solicitor works for a commercial fundraising organization and if he/she is being paid to solicit.Ask what percentage of donations being raised is paying for fundraising expenses.Ask the solicitor how your donation will be distributed.DO NOT make cash donations.DO NOT give your credit card number to a telephone solicitor.Avoid becoming the victim of solicitations that guarantee sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution.Don't assume when you hear "police" or "firefighter" that your donation is going to the local police or fire department.DO NOT HESITATE to ask for written information about the charity's programs/finances before giving.DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SAY "NO".Government Agencies with Jurisdiction Over Charities: California Attorney General's Office, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, CA 94244-2550, Phone: (800)952-5225, online at www.ag.ca.gov/charities/index.htm BBB Wise Giving Alliance, 4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203-1804, Phone: (800)575-5483, online at www.bbb.org and www.give.org
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