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Fraud and Scams

Be sure to do your research on donation solicitations before you decide to give.  The tips below are provided from “Donors Beware Phony Causes” in the Statesville Record and Landmark, January 27, 2008.

TIPS:

1. Research the charity. Do a charity search at: www.charitynavigator.org; www.give.org; www.bbb.org/charity; or www.guidestar.org.  What should you be looking for?  Primarily, for how much of the charity's expenses go to the cause.  Follow the 65 percent rule of thumb.

2. Find out where the charity is.  If it's an out-of-state police charity, your state or local police might not benefit at all, said Sandra Miniutti, spokeswoman for Charity Navigator.

3. Consider giving directly to the charity. You may send your check directly to the charity. Get its address from one of the above Web sites, or call the BBB's charity line at (804) 648-0030.

 

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has a website dedicated to how to avoid internet fraud click here.  If you believe that you have been the victim of a securities-related fraud, through the Internet or otherwise, or if you believe that any person or entity may have violated or is currently violating the federal securities laws, you can submit a complaint using their online complaint form or email the SEC at enforcement@sec.gov.  If you are aware of an online fraud, tell the SEC about it by clicking here.

The FBI lists a number of fraud schemes on their website here. You may sign up with the FBI to recieve new fraud schemes by email.  Below is a list of fraud schemes provided by the FBI, visit their website or click below to learn more about each of them:
     
Common Fraud Scams

Investment Related Scams

Internet Scams

Fraud Target: Senior Citizens