Many charities do a great job supporting our nation’s veterans, but a few take advantage of people’s generosity. This video tells donors how to research charities to avoid donating to a sham charity.
Transcript
Speakers - Maureen Elias, Jai Caron Lenoir, Lois Greisman [MUSIC PLAYING]
It can be kind of scary or overwhelming when you hear about charities that are scamming people to promise services to veterans who need it.
And not deliver on that promise is reprehensible.
This is something that's going to affect the life of you and your family, and someone wants to play games for their own personal gain.
Scammers have little moral compass, and they're preying upon people's good hearts.
But don't let that keep you from giving. Don't let that scare you away from providing for others.
What makes a difference in your donation is that it gets to a legitimate charity. Ask questions about how your money is going to be used. "Who exactly are you? Where are you located? And how much of my money is going to go directly to that program?"
So that you know that you're giving money to someone that's really going to put your money into practice rather than their pocket.
Charity scams can come in a bunch of different sizes. If anyone calls and asks you to make a charitable donation by wire transfer, by prepaid card, stop. That's an immediate red flag. Go to FTC.gov/charity. There you'll find information on how to research to spot the good charities and how to identify the scammers.
We all have an opportunity to contribute to the greater community at large and make this world a better place.
Take your time, do the research, make sure your donation counts.
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