Better watch out for charity scams this holiday season, Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery and Secretary Tre Hargett warn.
The officials are cautioning Tennesseans that charity scams commonly come in the form of a phone call but can also include email, websites, social media and text messaging.
“Tennessee is a charitable state and we want to ensure that money intended for a good cause does not go to a scammer instead,” Slatery said in a statement.
Hargett said that “sadly, it’s all too common for scam artists to take advantage of those who want to help others. If you plan to give this holiday season, be an educated consumer and make sure you know who your donation will benefit.”
Signs of a scam may include:
* You are pressured to give right away.
* You are asked to donate only in cash, wire money, or send gift cards.
* You are asked for personal financial information, like your bank account number.
* The caller refuses to give you proof your contribution is tax deductible.
* The websites and materials look like a real charity but seem “off” in ways such as using incorrect English or misspelled words.
Slatery and Hargerty also say consumers should pay attention to the following:
* Know where your money is going: Before giving, research the organization and learn more about it, including how much of your donation will go to the charity itself.
* Ask about registration: In Tennessee, a charity must be registered with the Secretary of State Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming.
* Document your donations: Keeping records of your donations will help you be on the lookout for scams that claim you already donated to them.
If you think you’ve been scammed, you can report it to these state and federal agencies:
* Charitable Solicitations Complaint Form: https://sos.tn.gov/charitable
* Federal Trade Commission: https://ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
* State Attorney General: https://www.tn.gov/attorneygeneral/working-for-tennessee/consumer/resources/materials/charity-scams.html
State officials warn Tennesseans to be wary of holiday charity scams
