Charity Scams
From cans at the cash register to million dollar boiler-room phone operations, raising money for charity can be extremely profitable for unscrupulous scam artists. That’s not to say you shouldn’t give to charity, but a little research can make your money go where you want it.
Some charities work only as fronts for fund-raisers, spending next to nothing on charitable works. While it’s perfectly legal in many cases, you might be dismayed to know how little the charity receives. A professional fund-raiser has countless schemes to use, including high-pressure sales tactics and the old bait and switch. The twist is the guilt that the marks feel because it is, after all, a charity.
You should never do business over the telephone with someone you don’t know. Tell the caller to send you the information in the mail. Otherwise hang up the phone.
The best policy is to give money directly to charities you believe in. Check the Better Business Bureau charitable alliance to protect your donations.
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