Secretary Raffensperger Cautions Against Charity Scams During The Holidays

Secretary Raffensperger Cautions Against Charity Scams During The Holidays International Charity Fraud Awareness Week brings together charities across the world and the agencies that regulate them in a collaborative social media campaign to raise awareness of issues surrounding charity. The holiday season is a time for giving and spreading joy, but unfortunately, it can also be a time when scammers take advantage of people's generosity. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is cautioning the public to be aware of charity scams during this time. Charity fraud is a serious issue that affects not only the victims but also the reputation of legitimate charities. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics or emotional appeals to convince people to donate to fake charities. They may impersonate well-known organizations or create fictitious ones to trick unsuspecting donors. Secretary Raffensperger is advising people to do their due diligence before giving to any charity. He recommends researching the organization and checking if it is registered with the state's Secretary of State office. Legitimate charities are required to register with the appropriate authorities and provide financial disclosures. To ensure transparency, individuals should also examine a charity's financial records. Legitimate organizations should be able to provide information on how donations are used and the percentage of funds that go towards program expenses versus administrative costs. Secretary Raffensperger warns against giving cash donations or wiring money to unknown organizations. Instead, he advises using secure payment methods such as credit cards or checks. These methods provide a paper trail and offer some level of protection against fraudulent activity. It is also important to be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or social media messages requesting donations. Scammers may try to create a sense of urgency or prey on people's emotions to convince them to donate without proper research. If in doubt, individuals should reach out to the charity directly using the contact information provided on their official website. In addition to researching individual charities, Secretary Raffensperger encourages individuals to support well-established organizations. These organizations have a track record of legitimacy and are often more accountable for how funds are used. Trusted charities also have proper mechanisms in place for auditing and reporting their financial activities. Furthermore, Secretary Raffensperger advises people to be wary of charities that have similar names to well-known organizations. Scammers may try to deceive donors by using names that sound familiar but have no association with the actual charity. Verifying a charity's legitimacy through official sources is crucial before making any donations. To strengthen the fight against charity fraud, Secretary Raffensperger recommends reporting any suspicious activity or potential scams to the appropriate authorities. This includes reporting incidents to the state's Secretary of State office or the Federal Trade Commission. In conclusion, while the holiday season is a time for giving, it is essential to be cautious and vigilant to avoid falling victim to charity scams. Secretary Raffensperger's advice to research and verify charities, use secure payment methods, and report suspicious activity is crucial in protecting oneself and ensuring that donations reach legitimate causes. By being informed and proactive, individuals can make a positive impact and support the organizations that truly make a difference in the community.