West Virginia Attorney General issued the following announcement on Oct. 19.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey joined with a host of domestic and international partners in recognizing International Charity Fraud Awareness Week.
The international effort offers tips for wise giving with the hope of helping charities and consumers avoid charity fraud. This year’s initiative, which runs Monday, Oct. 18, to Friday, Oct. 22, features security tips for nonprofits and potential donors under the theme, “We Can Do This.”
“There are so many people in West Virginia who have big hearts and choose to donate to charitable causes,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “However, it’s important to donate using your head, not just your heart, to avoid potential fraud or identity theft. We are happy to participate in this important awareness initiative for our fourth year and encourage consumers with questions about charitable giving to contact our office.”
General tips include being aware of the potential for fraud, taking time to check the legitimacy of a charitable organization and safeguarding cybersecurity and data.
Those concerned about the legitimacy of a specific charity or organization should confirm it is registered to solicit donations in West Virginia. That information can be accessed through the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office.
Additional tips to keep in mind include:
- Never feel pressured to donate immediately.
- Be suspicious of charities that ask for donations in cash, gift cards or via wire transfer.
- Ask how much of an individual donation directly supports the desired cause.
- If the charity is unfamiliar, gather as much information as possible about the organization.
- Never rely on a group's sympathetic sounding name or its similarity to a well-known, reputable entity.
- Be wary of unsolicited calls that thank you for donations that you do not recall making.
- Verify any local chapter is authorized to solicit funds on behalf of its parent organization.
- Go directly to the charity’s website instead of clicking on a link to the desired group. Also, confirm the website starts with https:// as the “s” verifies a secure connection.
- Be wary of any charity refusing to detail its mission, use of donations or proof of tax deductibility.
- Keep records, including a letter confirming the charitable status of the organization, for contributions in excess of $250.
West Virginia’s Attorney General is participating with the Federal Trade Commission and other U.S. and international partners.
Original source can be found here.
