How to Avoid Charitable Scams

That phone call or email asking for money, especially during a holiday season, could be a scam regardless of how legitimate it sounds. However, there's an easy way to check up on a charity before donating your money to it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. If the charity contacts you online, write down all the information you can find about it; email, address, name, contacts, etc.

2. If you are contacted by phone, ask questions about the organization and whether or not you can call them back at a specific number. A legitimate charity will have answers to all your questions.

3. Never give money or personal information to a caller. Let the caller know that you will call him back after you have had a chance to look into the organization.

4. You need to check to see if the organization or charity asking for money is registered with the state. There are several ways you can inquire.
   www.secstate.wa.gov/charities or call: 800-332-4483. And a free "Check Before You Give" handbook is available at Washington's Fraud Fighter Center at: 800-646-2283