Don’t get fleeced by fundraising crooks

Don’t get fleeced by fundraising crooks

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!

checkbefore1

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

12 thoughts on “Don’t get fleeced by fundraising crooks

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Louisville had a huge fund raising scandal in the past few years. Someone was faking a deadly disease and raise millions. Truly disgusting.

  4. 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

  5. When you trust institutions or organizations who spend millions of dollars for tv promotion, there isn’t much chance to actually do charity.

Comments are closed.

Comments are closed.