Attorney general's tips on avoiding scams
We tend to talk about charity scams near the end of the year, but these scams take place all-year long, especially during a recession. In fact, state Attorney General Rob McKenna recently issued a warning about these scams.
McKenna said his office has received several reports of scams making the rounds in Pierce County.
"We've been receiving complaints about a couple of enterprises that are going door-to-door, selling light bulbs and other products," he said. "Supposedly the money goes to help the homeless - to create jobs for the homeless - when in fact the complaints we've received indicate the money isn't really reaching the people it's intended to help."
The door-to-door approach might seem high-pressure to you. That's because it is. McKenna says it's important to remember door-to-door sales are restricted by strict laws whereas door-to-door solicitation is not.
"So it's important to use your common sense when you're dealing with anyone who is selling you something trying to ask you to donate at the door," he said.
But the door isn't the only place these scams might come a-knocking. Charity scams also come in the mail and on the phone. The attorney general has a few tips on how to avoid these scams.
Only give to familiar organizations
The attorney general recommends making a budget for your charitable giving, then plan which organizations you'll donate to. Do your homework and make sure the charities you give to are legitimate and registered with the Secretary of State.
"Don't be an impulse donor any more than you'd be an impulse giver," he said.
Ask how your money will be used
McKenna says there is no law that demands that a certain portion of your donation go toward the cause to which you donated.
"No, there is no such law and in fact, attempts to pass such laws have been struck down by the courts in California and elsewhere," he said. "So the best thing you can do is arm yourself with information by looking up on the Secretary of State's Web site how much they give to the ultimate cause and how much they keep for the administration."
Charities are required to report the percentage breakdown to the Secretary of State.
You should also ask the organization how they're using the money to help the people in need.
Never give cash to an unknown charity
This is rather obvious, but it still needs to be said. If for nothing else, the attorney general said, avoid cash donations so you can get a tax deduction.
"You want to have a record that you made the contribution," said McKenna.
Protect your personal information
"Don't give them your credit card number. Don't give'em the little security code on the back of the card," McKenna said. "Write them a personal check. That would be preferable to giving them a credit card number they could reuse."
For more information:
More tips from the state Attorney General's Office
McKenna said his office has received several reports of scams making the rounds in Pierce County.
"We've been receiving complaints about a couple of enterprises that are going door-to-door, selling light bulbs and other products," he said. "Supposedly the money goes to help the homeless - to create jobs for the homeless - when in fact the complaints we've received indicate the money isn't really reaching the people it's intended to help."
The door-to-door approach might seem high-pressure to you. That's because it is. McKenna says it's important to remember door-to-door sales are restricted by strict laws whereas door-to-door solicitation is not.
"So it's important to use your common sense when you're dealing with anyone who is selling you something trying to ask you to donate at the door," he said.
But the door isn't the only place these scams might come a-knocking. Charity scams also come in the mail and on the phone. The attorney general has a few tips on how to avoid these scams.
Only give to familiar organizations
The attorney general recommends making a budget for your charitable giving, then plan which organizations you'll donate to. Do your homework and make sure the charities you give to are legitimate and registered with the Secretary of State.
"Don't be an impulse donor any more than you'd be an impulse giver," he said.
Ask how your money will be used
McKenna says there is no law that demands that a certain portion of your donation go toward the cause to which you donated.
"No, there is no such law and in fact, attempts to pass such laws have been struck down by the courts in California and elsewhere," he said. "So the best thing you can do is arm yourself with information by looking up on the Secretary of State's Web site how much they give to the ultimate cause and how much they keep for the administration."
Charities are required to report the percentage breakdown to the Secretary of State.
You should also ask the organization how they're using the money to help the people in need.
Never give cash to an unknown charity
This is rather obvious, but it still needs to be said. If for nothing else, the attorney general said, avoid cash donations so you can get a tax deduction.
"You want to have a record that you made the contribution," said McKenna.
Protect your personal information
"Don't give them your credit card number. Don't give'em the little security code on the back of the card," McKenna said. "Write them a personal check. That would be preferable to giving them a credit card number they could reuse."
For more information:
More tips from the state Attorney General's Office