Whenever there is a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis, we all want to do our part to help affected communities recover. Here are some tips to help make sure your good deed and your dollars don’t get stolen.
TWO QUICK TIPS
• Only donate to charities that you know are legitimate.
• Avoid clicking on links on social media platforms or direct messages. Not all charity messages are legal.
HOW TO KNOW IF A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION IS LEGITIMATE
• Research! Visit the charity website, check sites such as GuideStar, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
• Check the email address before you click. Most nonprofit websites end in .org NOT .com
• Never give out your social security number or bank account information. Nonprofit organizations won’t ask you for detailed personal information.
• Check the IRS website. They can reveal whether an organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions.
Finally, avoid making donations through text messages or in cash. Use a secure service and remember to keep records of your contributions.