by Christina Siderius | December 2nd, 2009
The region was stunned when four Lakewood police officers were killed in a tragic shooting recently, and many are looking for ways to donate money and help out families of the victims. But before you give, the Secretary of State’s Office wants to make sure you check out a charity fully!
There are plenty of unscrupulous folks who use tragedy as a chance to scam generous, good-hearted people of their cash.
If you get solicited to help the Lakewood Police officers, be sure that it’s an organization registered in Washington State! Any group that fundraises in the state must register with our Charities Program. You can check our online database here: http://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/search.aspx
Some quick tips for wise giving: Always ask questions, verify the information, and don’t be fooled even if the name sounds like a real charity or cause.
The Lakewood Police Department has been asking donors to make donations to Lakewood Police Independent Guild to help victims’ families. More information about wise giving at http://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/consumer_faq.aspx
|
|
|
Asking a few questions will usually do the trick. One great question to ask is ‘what fundraising company are you using?’ Or with your phone in hand, polity ask them the number of the person running the event, so you can verify quickly before you donate.
Unfortunately, the only charity, you can be sure of is the one you do personally to people you know. When you trust institutions or organizations who spend millions of dollars for tv promotion, there isn’t much chance to actually do charity.
The BBB is always a great source to double check.
Jeff, yes i got scammed too.. please check first
I agree with Jeff. there are lost of scammers out there
Louisville had a huge fund raising scandal in the past few years. Someone was faking a deadly disease and raise millions. Truly disgusting.
Too bad, these “scammers” should think what if their family is one of the killed officers. However, we should not let these “scammer” behavior stop us from giving donation
I too agree with you Jeff. there are many scammers and this became very common nowadays. I was a victim once.
Jeff, yes i got scammed too.. there are lost of scammers out there
These professional scammers may have illegal ID’s as being registered lenders.
When you trust institutions or organizations who spend millions of dollars for tv promotion, there isn’t much chance to actually do charity.