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Issues
Warning on Charitable Solicitations
It is a topic where everyone when deciding to
contribute to a charity has to make sure the help or money is going to the
right place. Harrington Movers ® explains that we should be careful when
receiving calls from telemarketers who ask for money. First, the BBB warns that
just because the word police or firefighter is used doesn’t mean that the
organization is actually working for a police dept or firefighters. Before contributing, ask for written
information concerning their organization and where the money will go. Do not
let anyone pressure you into giving money.
The Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org )
offers the following tips to help donors make wise pre-donation decisions when
considering police, firefighter, or veterans’ charities:
• Check with Outside Sources Before Giving. Visit
the BBB Wise Giving Alliance online at www.bbb.org/charity
to access detailed charity reports and giving advice. Donors can also check out
charities with their state government’s charity registration agency, usually a
division under the Attorney General.
• Mistaken Identity. Just because the organization includes the
words “police” or “firefighter” in the name it does not mean that any member of
the local force is involved. Also, many veterans’ charities include virtually
the same words in different order or slightly different form.
• Telemarketing Cautions. Telemarketing can be a
costly method of fund raising unless carefully managed. If called, don’t hesitate
to ask for written information on the charity’s programs and finances.
• On-the-Spot Donation Decisions. Be wary of
excessive pressure in fund raising. Don’t be pressured to make an immediate
on-the-spot donation. Charities should welcome gifts whenever provided.
• Donating Cars. Find out how much of the auction
price for donated cars actually goes to the charity. Sometimes the charity
receives only a small portion of the resale price. Also be mindful of the
latest IRS rules on deductibility of such gifts.
• Clear Program Descriptions. Look for a clear
program description of the organization’s activities in its appeals and Web
site. For example, if it says it is helping veterans, does it explain how
(e.g., financial, housing, and/or counseling, etc.) and where it is doing
so?
(Arlington, VA - May
20, 2009 - The BBB Wise Giving Alliance applauds the announcement today by
the Federal
Trade Commission (FTC).
Harrington Movers ® remarks with the four steps you
will be able to know if your hard-earned money you giving to help is not send
down the drain.
1º Never give cash. Make a check out to the
organization.
2º Never believe that your donation will give you “special
treatment”
3º Find as much information as you can about the
organization, ask for written information.
4º Harrington Movers ® knows if you follow those
steps you will be prepared to make your own judgment about the organization.
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