Charitable giving can provide a rewarding way to express the holiday spirit. But sometimes the best charitable intentions can wind up in the wrong hands namely, the hands of a scam artist.
The following websites offer advice on how to give safely:
AARP • Highlights scam-artist methods to watch out for when considering a charitable gift, at www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-11-2010/scam_alert_holiday_hoaxes.html
Better Business Bureau • Spotlights five questions to ask before giving to a charity at holiday time, at www.bbb.org/us/article/five-questions-to-ask-before-donating-to-a-charity-13243
Federal Trade Commission • Suggests a checklist to ensure donated dollars reach a legitimate charity, at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt114.shtm
Livestrong.com • Provides six steps to safe charitable giving during the holidays, at www.livestrong.com/article/222196-how-to-donate-to-charity-for-christmas/
National Consumers League • Discusses cautionary steps to take before giving to a charity, at www.nclnet.org/personal-finance/64-fraud/449-tis-the-season-for-charity-scams