Try these tips for wise gift giving from the Los Angeles Police Commission Charitable Services Section in dealing with charities and solicitors this holiday season.
Ask questions before you give. Find out how much of your donation will actually go to the charity.
If you don’t know who is asking, don’t give. When a stranger asks for donations, Do not assume the money is honestly being raised for charitable causes.
Call the charity. To avoid falling victim to a fraudulent solicitor, contact the charity directly before giving a donation and verify the solicitation is authorized and legitimate.
Do not allow a caller to intimidate you to give “right now.” Legitimate charities won’t rush you to donate.
Watch out for similar sounding names. False charities often use names that closely resemble the name of a well-known organization.
Do not send cash. Always make contributions by check payable to the organization and insist upon a receipt.
Do not give credit card or personal information over the phone.
The Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments Do not solicit donations over the telephone, mail or door-to-door. Call the agency directly to ensure actual fundraiser participation.
Many individuals complain about the large quantities of direct mail received from charitable organizations and seek advice on how to have their names removed from a mailing list.
The easiest method to handle unwanted mail is to destroy and discard. Do not feel obligated to support all groups writing to you; charitable organizations Do not expect a donation from every person solicited.
For more information for ways to handle unwanted mail, write to: Philanthropic Advisory Service of the Council of Better Business Bureau, 4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203 If interested in donating, do your research. Request to review a copy of the required information card and proper identification from the solicitor.
Be assertive on the telephone with callers. If you don’t want to receive calls, request your name be removed from the list. However, if you choose to donate, ask the caller where and how your contribution will be used. Request written information, including financial statements before making a donation decision. Be wary of an organization that thanks you for a pledge you do not remember making.
The following resources are available to provide searchable databases to learn about specific charities in the state or to report fraudulent activity: General Resources Los Angeles Police Commission Charitable Services Section (213) 978-1144 Los Angeles Police Department Community Liaison/Crime Prevention Unit (213) 485-3134 California Attorney General (800) 952-5548 or www.caag.state.ca.us California Secretary of State (916) 978-1144 or www.ss.ca.gov Better Business Bureau (909) 825-7280 or www.labbb.org National Fraud Information Center (800) 876-7060 or www.fraud.org
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 29, 2006. Read the original PDF.