Never donate to a charity that you know nothing about, especially charities that pop up overnight in connection with a recent natural disaster or news story as these are most often scams.

Don't feel pressured into giving on the spot or allowing someone to come to your house to pick up the contribution.

Hang up the telephone on aggressive and harassing solicitors.

Request written information about the charity, its mission, programs and finances, how your donation will be used, and proof that your contribution is tax deductible.

Check to see that the charity is registered with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office (AGO) Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division at Non-Profits & Charities Document Search. Questions regarding the availability of a report or the status of a public charity should be directed to the AGO Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division via email at charities@state.ma.us, or by phone (617) 727-2200 ext. 2101.

Look at charity-rating sites, such as the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, www.charitynavigator.org, www.charitywatch.org or www.guidestar.org.

Do not reveal your personal or financial information, including your Social Security number or credit card and bank account numbers, to anyone who solicits a contribution from you.

Always write a check payable to the charity, not the individual soliciting you, so that you have a record of your donation.

Be wary of "guaranteed" sweepstake winnings in exchange for a contribution. Participation in sweepstake offers is voluntary, and donors are in no better position to win the sweepstakes than non-donors.

Ask who will benefit from your contribution.

Don't be fooled by a convincing name or one that sounds like the name of a well-known charity.

Don't make assumptions when you hear words like "police" or "firefighter" in an organization's name. Although an organization claims it has local ties or works with local police or firefighters, it doesn't necessarily mean contributions will be used locally.

Don't feel guilty about not supporting all the charities that ask you for a contribution.

If solicited in person, always ask to see the solicitor's identification.

 

Be aware of statements such as "every penny will go to the charity." All charities have expenses, so check carefully and know where your money goes.

To file a complaint, contact the following:

 

Attorney General's Office

One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Consumer Response Center

Federal Trade Commission

Washington, D.C. 2058

(877) FTC-HELP (382-4357)/TDD: (202) 326-2502

 

Related Links:

Office of the Attorney General of Massachusetts

1. Non-Profits & Charities

2. Statutes and Regulations

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

1. Consumer Charity Tips

2. Check Out a Business or Charity

3. BBB Wise Giving Alliance

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

1. Supporting the Troops: When Charities Solicit Donations on Behalf of Vets and Military Families

2. Helping Family and Friends Avoid Charity Fraud

3. Avoid Charity Fraud

4. Charitable Donations: Give or Take?

American Institute of Philanthropy

Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator lays out how a charity spends its money, how stable it is financially, and how it compares with similar groups.

GuideStar

GuideStar provides a 10-step guide to choosing a charity.