Jim WinsettQ. I want to donate money supporting the earthquake disaster in Nepal. However, I want to donate to a charity that is fully engaged with the relief effort. What advice does BBB have for donating wisely?
A. Clearly, the Nepal region is in much need of support. People want to help as soon as possible, but donors need to follow some key rules about supporting disaster relief so that their gifts get to those who need them the most. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance advises donors to avoid being taken advantage of by questionable solicitations or wasting their money on poorly managed relief efforts.
Sadly, scammers are well aware of the peak times disaster circumstances create for charitable giving. It's during these times that they try to blend in with those legitimate causes that truly deserve your help. It's not easy to discern which charities are legitimate and which ones are cons, so we have assembled some tips to make sure your good intentions are not wasted. Here are a few of the ways to spot these bogus charities:
* Find out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted area. Check the charity website to see if it describes what the charity can do to address immediate needs.
* Find out if the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups. You may want to consider avoiding the middleman to have faster impact.
* Ask for proof that they are legitimate. For you to deduct the donation, you'll need the charity's name, the date of the contribution and the amount you have donated. Ask for the charity's contact information and website. A legitimate charity should have that information readily available so you can reach them.
* Always ask for the charity's mission, its costs and how much of your donation actually reaches those in need. Legitimate charities will always provide you with the needed paperwork and information. Also find out if you are being contacted by a fundraising company in the name of the charity. Often these for-profit fundraisers eat up more than 50 percent of the amount of money donated, siphoning funds from those you intended your funds to reach.
* If a charity asks for cash-only donations, it is probably a scam. They are most likely trying to use the money for their own means. Cash funds are easily stolen, never to be seen again. If you desire to give a donation in cash, take it directly to the charity. Never give it to the solicitor.
* All legitimate charities have operating expenses and administrative costs. Beware of any charity that claims to give 100 percent of donations to the organization's cause. It is not likely the charity is operating on an all-volunteer basis.
* Scammers often name their charities to be very similar to well-known, legitimate organizations. For example, National American Red Cross is named to resemble American Red Cross; be aware of misleading names.
* One way scammers have bilked folks is by phoning, mailing or emailing you, thanking you for your pledge of a donation. They intend to guilt you into giving. Always keep a record of your pledges and past donations, and refer to your list when you are contacted.
* Be cautious when giving online. Modern technology has allowed scammers to simply push a button and send requests for donations online. Such requests are most likely spam or completely bogus. If you get such a request, be sure to contact the charity yourself or go to their website to research donations.
* Never give money or donations if the charity guarantees you will win a sweepstake in exchange. It is a scam!
BBB Wise Giving Alliance reports on national charities, reporting on qualifications and standards of accountable giving, at www.give.org.
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau of Chattanooga.