Giving to charity? How to avoid scams this holiday

Published 10:33 pm Sunday, December 9, 2007

If you’re the sort of person concerned about those who were pushed out of their homes during the recent flooding or who find themselves without any shelter at all during this holiday season, I salute you.

I think a lot of people are too self-centered these days, more worried more about how to get a 42-inch high-definition television set than where others are getting their next meal.

But let me warn those who haven’t forgotten about people in need: This is crunch time for con men — the time when they best exploit the spirit of giving. Like many retailers, scammers make most of their money this time of year.

I feel a little scroogelike to say it, but there is no doubt in my mind that the crooks out there are squealing with glee at the floods that slammed Western Washington last week.

Combine that with Christmas, and you have a wide variety of material you can use to separate people from their money.

I’m not alone in this thinking.

Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed predicted last week that our receding floodwaters will be followed by solicitations for bogus charities.

“In disasters of this magnitude, con artists inevitably emerge, taking advantage of people’s remarkable generosity,” he said.

Rob McKenna, the state attorney general, said people should watch out for scammers posing as workers for a government agency or for a nonprofit organization that provides emergency help.

Flood victims may be asked to pay cash up front for repairs that never happen or be asked to fill out forms for emergency help that are just ruses for identity thieves to steal financial and personal information.

McKenna says people should insist on seeing proper identification from anyone offering assistance. He advises us to never provide personal information to people we don’t know who call us or show up at our door.

“Consumers must be vigilant about checking out charities and only giving to those they know and trust,” McKenna said.

He noted that scammers particularly target people over age 65, and that age group will get more pitches than any other.

Reed agreed that people should never contribute to an organization they aren’t certain about.

He suggests:

Asking phone callers if they are volunteers or paid solicitors.

Asking how much of what’s collected goes to charity.

Paying close attention to the charity’s name. Some scammers try to make their organization sound like a well-known charity.

Requesting written information from the organization or fundraiser.

Paying by check using the charity’s full name, but only after you’ve checked out the organization. You can check charities in Washington state by calling 800-332-4483 or searching online at www.secstate.wa.gov/charities.

AARP, the nonprofit for retired people, also is a good source of information.

“Consumers must stop and think before reaching for that checkbook or credit card,” said Doug Shadel of the state AARP group. He urges everyone to know “exactly where your money is going and how it will be spent.”

You can get a free “Check Before You Give” toolkit by calling 800-646-2283 or visiting www.aarp.org/wa.

Don’t be afraid to give during this holiday season. Just make sure your money is going to the right place.

Mike Benbow: 425-339-3459 or benbow@heraldnet.com.