Protests against racial injustice have continued in Georgia and around the country, the latest occurring in the wake of the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks. While many have sought to donate to effect change, not all charities are what they seem.
Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau on how you can ensure your donation is going to the right place.
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Do your research
The FTC says people can do a simple internet search of a key term for the type of charity or organization they’re looking for and “best charity” or “highly rated charity.” In this case, you may want to search “Atlanta protests” in conjunction with the aforementioned phrase.
You can also use a specific charity name and the phrases "complaint," "review," "rating" or "scam" to investigate. There's also a list of organizations you can refer to when looking to verify a charity's legitimacy.
The BBB also notes people should avoid clicking on unfamiliar charity links in texts or emails and not assume recommended charities on social media have been verified.
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Be aware of tricks
Look for red flags that indicate you should consider giving to a different charity, the FTC says. Some include being rushed to donate, thanking you for a donation that you never made to trick you into making a payment and changing the caller ID to match the local area code.
Know where your money is going
When money is raised for a tragedy, it’s more important than ever for organizations to specify how funds are spent, according to the BBB.
“Transparent organizations will post this information on their websites so that anyone can find out without having to wait until the audited financial statements are available sometime in the future,” it said.
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Be mindful about the way you pay
Not all payment methods are safe. The FTC recommends people avoid paying with cash, a gift card or wiring money, and use a credit or debit card instead. It’s also suggested to make a habit of keeping a record of donations and to closely look over statements to ensure you were charged for only the agreed donation amount.
Also, make sure you know the organization you're donating to by reading tips here.
Family-established assistance funds
When it comes to funds set up by families, the BBB says potential donors should be aware that the funds may not be established as charities.
“If collected monies are received and administered by a third party such as a bank, CPA, or lawyer this will help provide oversight and ensure the collected funds are used appropriately (paying for funeral costs, counseling, and other tragedy-related needs),” it said.
For more information on avoiding charity and donation scams visit the BBB and FTC websites.
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