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Consumer Protection: Advice from The Bucks County Consumer Advocates

December 2009

Q. It is crazy how many charities have reached out to us for donations.  Most years we have chosen a few charities to give to, but this year we really need to narrow it down.  The problem is we really don’t know which ones are the best and which charities don’t really see too much of the money we send.  We have heard that the majority of the money that we send goes to the solicitations and not the charity itself.  Can you give us some warning signs to look out for when giving our donations?  D. G., Levittown

A. Donors should avoid any charity or fund-raiser that refuses to provide written information about its identity, its mission, its cost, and how the donation will be used.  Be careful of names that closely resemble that of a better-known, reputable organization.  Do not be pressured into giving.  Take time to think about your donation.  High pressure tactics and sob stories often are the signs of unscrupulous operators.  Another warning is if they guarantee sweepstakes winnings in exchange for your contribution.  Be leery of people calling to thank you for a pledge that you don’t remember making, or who offer to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect the donation immediately.  Consumers who are interested in giving to a charity should first ask for information in writing.  Next, consumers should investigate the particular charity that they are interested in supporting. Pennsylvania law generally requires that charities register with the Department of State Bureau of Charitable Organizations.  Consumers can contact the Bureau of Charitable Organizations at 1-800-732-0999 to get information on a particular charity.  There are also a couple of websites you can use to search a legitimate charity.  One of them is the BBB Wise Giving Alliance at www.give.org.  Another is called American Institute of Philanthropy at www.charitywatch.org.  Last but not least is GuideStar at www.guidestar.org.  Consumer who would like a free brochure on charitable giving may contact Bucks County Consumer Protection at 1-800-942-2669.     

Department of Consumer Protection /
Weights and Measures
Michael D. Bannon
Director
50 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: 215-348-7442
Fax: 215-348-4570
Canny Consumer Hotline 1-800-942-2669