Media contact: Janet C. Hart, APR, CFEE (704) 927-8617 office
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado, many Americans will want to make contributions to help the victims and their families.
According to BBB President Tom Bartholomy, “Unfortunately, scammers will also try to take advantage of generous donors.”
The easiest and most common way that people can help is by making a donation.
The Governor of Colorado has information on his website about how to contribute through www.givingfirst.org.
If you want to give, the BBB has this advice:
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Before making a contribution, check the charity out to see if it meets the BBB’s Standards for Charitable Giving. Go to BBB to obtain detailed reports on charities.
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Give to charities that are experienced in providing family support services. While other charities may solicit donations, these organizations may not have the ability to provide the specific types of support services that will be needed.
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Watch out for fake charities that imitate the name of well-known organizations in order to confuse donors.
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To ensure your contribution is tax deductible, donations should be made to charitable organizations that are tax exempt, 501(c)(3) charities.
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Beware of emotional appeals that do not address how the charity will meet the needs of victims and their families.
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Do not give cash or send money via wire transfer. Checks or money orders should be made out to the name of the charitable organization, not to the individual collecting the donation.
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Do not give your credit card number or other personal information to a telephone solicitor or in response to an e-mail solicitation.
For more information, please visit BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
