Charity scam artists can quickly take the cheer out of the holiday season for generous individuals, families and organizations looking to give.
A wide range of websites serves up tips and insights on how to avoid a charity scam, particularly during the holidays. Here is a sampling of sites:
AARP • Overview on how to watch for charity hoaxes during the holidays, at bit.ly/d8R3yD.
Better Business Bureau • Offers five solid practices to prevent becoming a charity scam victim during the season of giving, at bit.ly/UoUoLg.
Federal Trade Commission • Covers how to deal with a potential charity scam and how to spot the warning signs, at 1.usa.gov/epSZJv.
National Consumers League • Lists six tips to avoid a charity scam, at bit.ly/SJaxgr.
Scambusters.org • Spotlights specific scams to avoid during the season, at www.scambusters.org/charityscams.html.