Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Scammers know that many of us will make charitable donations as the year comes to a close, and they target our heartstrings as they attempt to fatten their wallets. This year we’ve partnered with a number of agencies and organizations, including the Better Business Bureau and the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, to help you avoid their tricks.Over the holidays, be on the lookout for phony charities with sound-alike names designed to remind you of legitimate charities. To separate real charities from fakes or to identify charities that make the best use of your donations, check out a charity’s annual report with the Secretary of State’s Office. You can also use resources like Charity Watch and the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance. For best results, give to charities you’re already familiar with, and ones you can see doing good in your community. For more information, including tips for those who might be considering year-end investments and financial decisions, visit our “Don’t Get Taken in the Season of Giving” website.If you think you’ve been victimized by any scam, file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.