How To Avoid Charity Scams For Japan
It's shameful that I even have to write this post. With all the devastation in Japan, who would even think of trying to take money intended to help people that are suffering. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people that are. Here's how to avoid it.
Online, March 21, 2011 (Newswire.com) - With the news of the Japan, many of my friends and family have been discussing where they're donating aid. Some have already have money to some charities and others are researching their options.
I thought it would be good to go ahead and looks at how you can improve your chances of getting your financial resources in the proper hands and away from charity scam artists.
Charity Scams - How to Protect Yourself
Those with generous hearts want to make sure their help is going to those who could use it. Here are some tips to guide you during your giving process.
- Don't give to a charity you're not familiar with. Now is not the time to just go with your gut. Instead, choose a charity that has an established record. If you don't know any relevant ones, ask friends and family which charities they donate to.
- Ask for the name, address, and phone number of the charity. Having (and verifying) the contact information you're given is important in case you have problems down the line.
- Ask how much of your donation goes directly to the cause. This is not a rude question - many charities are happy to share information on their organizations
- Get a receipt with the name of the charity on it. Please don't give cash to a charity, if you've been scammed, it'll be almost impossible to track. Have a receipt to help you during tax time as well.
- If you do fall victim to a scam artist, contact the Federal Trade Commission. Call the agency toll-free at (877) FTC-HELP to report it. It could help protect others from getting scammed as well.
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If you've been taken advantage of, it's really important to report it. I know it makes you feel stupid because it's happened to me. But despite how you feel, call the FTC. We need to get these jerks shut down.
-- Morgan
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Reputable Charities That Help Those Affected by Disasters
If you're looking for a reputable organization to support, here are some big ones that have the experience to help those in need. Please check with their site to get updates on what they are doing with each disaster, as some organizations have a criteria to assess the situation before intervening.
OxFam - The organization's main goals include fighting injustice and poverty around the world. They also respond to disasters as they happen globally.
Red Cross - This international organization tries to tackle several goals, including disaster relief. Each year, in communities large and small, victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new-the more than half a million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the American Red Cross.
Doctors Without Borders - Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists. MSF provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict,epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters.
Source [Couple Money](http://couplemoney.com/giving-back/avoid-charity-scams/)
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I'm still shaking my head as I write this post. I think what we have to keep in mind that for every one person that's looking to take advantage of the tradgedy in Japan, there are thousands that want to help.
I hope you don't let the jerks keep you from trying to help.
Let me know what you think are and please take a minute to Like my page on Facebook. I'd appreciate your help in spreading the word.
Think wealthy,
Morgan Kimble
Like this? Take a look at my last article: Can You Be Too Frugal?
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Tags: avoiding scams, Charity, donations
