NBC 4 | Tony Mirones
Giving Tuesday is upon us.
The day, usually held the day after Cyber Monday, is when charities hope you will reach deep into the budget and let money flow to parts of the community where you want people to be helped.
Face it, there is a lot of help getting done in the world and it takes money to accomplish all of it. From feeding the hungry to operating on cleft pallets, there are situations that need volunteers and money supports them to get the job accomplished.
The Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said in a news release, “We all need to open our hearts, our wallets – and our eyes.”
Yost is referencing how simple it can be to give online through social media and cell phones. While this makes giving convenient, there are ways to make sure you protect your donations and ensure you are giving to and through reputable organizations…
Ohio’s Attorney General tips for giving
- Do not assume that charity recommendations on social media sites have already been vetted. Donors should research the charity, including whether it is registered, on the “Research Charities” section on the attorney general’s website.
- Be cautious of “look-alike” websites and charities with names that sound similar to well-known organizations. Sometimes they are simply intended to confuse donors.
- Make sure the donation website is secure. Look for the “s” in “https” at the beginning of the web address, which means the site is secure.
- Watch out for emotional appeals. Scammers know it takes just one click to donate online and can capitalize on the convenience and spirit of giving with fake pictures and stories.
- Determine what percentage of the donation will go to the charity and whether there will be any fees for donating.
- Identify what the website will do (if anything) with personal information, and be wary of websites that do not provide a privacy policy.
- Donors can also check the following resources to learn more about specific charities: IRS Select Check, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, and GuideStar.