Safety Techniques

Safe charitable giving

Methods for charitable giving solicitation can be made by telephone, mail, Internet, door-to-door, or by directly approaching people on the street or in their vehicles. These solicitation requesters can range from the local nonprofit organization selling cookies to a homeless person asking for cash. Although charitable giving is not harmful, it can be fraudulent. These simple tips can help you ensure your money is going to a legitimate cause.

If solicited by an unfamiliar charity, ask for literature about the organization so you can make an informed decision. When information cannot be provided, do not make a contribution.

Although very popular in years past, door-to-door solicitation is much less common and is often now fraudulent. Never allow a stranger to enter your home, whether it is a religious organization, charity or a sales representative. Let them stand outside and talk to them through your locked screen door. You can request that they leave literature for you to read. These people are often very persistent and pushy. Stay firm and do not open your door for them. They are strangers and could easily be misrepresenting themselves in order to gain access to you and your home.

Do not make donations when you are unfamiliar with the charity. If you have trouble saying no and feel guilty, try these approaches:
State you have a policy to only make donations through the mail and only to organizations that provide literature about their cause.
Indicate you make donations on an annual basis and have already given to your selected charities this year. If they want to be considered for next year, they can send you their literature by mail.

Never provide any solicitor with your credit card or any other personal information that could be fraudulently used. Always ask for a receipt for your cash donations so you can use it as a tax deduction. If the charity cannot provide a legitimate receipt, walk away without making a contribution.

Many states have laws that solicitors must avoid homes that post a no solicitation sign on their door. Although these laws do not apply to religious and charitable organizations, it will decrease the amount of unwanted sales solicitors.

When a charity requests a donation, do your research to confirm it is a valid organization and understand how your contribution will be used. Make sure it is a legitimate charity.

Homeless people on the streets, buses or subway trains begging for money rely on the pity of others for obtaining free cash. In many states, this activity is illegal and by donating to their cause you are encouraging them to continue this unlawful and unwanted behavior.

While there are many legitimate homeless people who desperately need donations in order to survive, a high majority of them use this approach to obtain cash for purchasing items that certainly are not necessities such as liquor, cigarettes, and specialty coffee. Homeless people are well networked and know where the local shelters are located for food and shelter. If you want to help the homeless, consider giving directly to a local shelter where you know the money is going for necessities such as food and blankets.

 

Be Safe!

Get Informed. Become Aware. Take Responsibility.