Charity Fraud
Charity fraud does a lot of harm. The con artist takes advantage
of people's good will and takes their cash - money that was
meant for people in need. You can make sure that any money you
give gets into the right hands. Just remember these tips when
somebody asks you for a donation.
- Ask for identification - the organization AND the solicitor.
Find out what the purpose of the charity is and how funds are
used.
- Ask if contributions are tax deductible.
- If you're not satisfied with the answers - don't give.
- Give to charities that you know.
- Check out the ones you've never heard of before, or others
whose names are similar to a well-known charity.
- Don't fall for high-pressure tactics. If solicitors won't
take no for an answer, tell them NO anyway - BUT DON'T GIVE THEM
YOUR MONEY.
- Be suspicious of charities that only accept cash.
- Always send a check made out to the charity and not the
individual requesting the donation.
THE PIGEON DROP
A person approaches you and says that he just found a large
amount of money. What should he do with it? Maybe his "boss" can
suggest something. He then leaves to check with his "boss" and
comes back a few minutes later. His boss said to divide the
money, but first, each of you must put up some, "good faith
money". Once you hand over your share, you'll never see it or
the con artist again.
THE BANK EXAMINER
A con artist will contact you and tell you he is a bank official
or police officer and that he needs your help to catch a
dishonest bank teller. All you have to do is withdraw your
savings and give the money to him so he can check the serial
nubers. IF you do, you've been "stung". A real bank official
would NEVER ask you to withdraw your money.
Is it hard to believe that people fall for such tricks? Con
artists may be the greatest actors you'll ever meet. The pigeon
drop and the bank examiner schemes are two of the most
successful con games around. Don't be fooled. CALL THEIR BLUFF
BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.
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