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PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ONLINE CHARITY FRAUD: EXPERT ADVICE

By Carly Milne

So let’s say you’re getting a tax refund – you lucky dog, you – and you’re on the hunt for a charity to spend your hard earned cash on. But you don’t necessarily want to go with something that everyone usually goes with, so you start researching some other options that are more independent and more in need. There’s a billion charities making their home online, and some of them have a pretty impressive standing, making them seem like they’re just as impressive as some of their bigger-name, label counterparts. But are they legit?

“Anyone can pay for a slick website,” warns Richard Walden, President and CEO of Operation USA. “When looking to donate money to charity, a donor should be looking carefully to assess the legitimacy of the group itself, the way it spends its money and the work that they do.”

Walden, who has been working in charity for 30 years, suggests looking at the board of directors and partner agencies, as well as the trade groups they belong to.

Meanwhile, Jenifer A. Vogt, who runs a marketing communications consulting firm nonprofits and healthcare organizations, says it’s pretty easy to do your own sleuthing. Just:

- Look them up on Charity Navigator or Guidestar. These organizations report on the majority of nonprofits in the U.S.

- All charities must be registered for nonprofit status with their state and this is public information. So, call or email the charity and ask them for their tax ID number. You can also request a copy of their annual report, though most reputable charities should have this posted somewhere on their Web site.

- The Better Business Bureau has a branch for nonprofits called The Wise Giving Alliance.

– Lastly, be very skeptical of any charity Web site that doesn’t have specific information on the types of programs they’re asking you to fund – is it for food? Clothing? Homeless needs? Most reputable charities provide information that tells you how donations are spent.

As is the case with anything, it’s all buyer beware – so make sure you know where your money is going, and that you’re glad it’s going there!

http://www.digitalcity.com/2009/05/06/protect-yourself-from-online-charity-fraud-expert-advice/