Charitable Donations

DON’T LET YOUR EMOTIONS GET IN THE WAY OF BEING SENSIBLE

Scam artists are always looking for their next best opportunity.

• Don't give cash to any group or individual at any time


• You can't track your gift & you will not have a record of it.
  
• There are enough local outlets for legitimate appeals
  
  
• Ask questions about the organization and how the funds will be disbursed - If you get the "Run Around," then "Run Away" and give elsewhere



• Only give checks or money orders made out to the organization
  
  • Never to an individual
    
    
• Money is greatly preferred over goods
  
  • Logistics become a headache and can be more trouble than the goods are worth
    
    
• Don't respond to telephone, door-to-door, mail, or internet solicitations.
  
  • Never, never give your credit card or personal information to unsolicited contacts
    
  • Ask them to put their request in the mail to you
    
  • Again, there are enough local outlets for your donation, why chance losing your gift
    
    
  Check claims of "Tax Deductible" at the IRS website (Pub. 78)