CHARITY FRAUD

Charity fraud is a grevious topic. There are soooooo many great charities out there for you to support.

But... there are opportunistic people and con artists who take advantage of people's good will. They steal the money that you intended to work for the good and help worth causes.

Make sure that your money goes to the right people.

Many times, criminals pose as charities in order to get your money. They can HURT you both financially and physically... be sure to protect yourself.

Remember these tips when someone asks you for a donation.

KNOW THEM. Ask for identification from the organization AND the solicitor.

Find out what the charity does and how funds are used.

Make sure your contributions are tax deductible.They should give you a receipt with their tax exempt ID #.

If they don't answer your questions... don't give them your money, your property, or a piece of your will.

· ONLY contribute to charities that you know personally.

Don't fall for guilt, manipulation, or high-pressure tactics.

If they won't take "no" for an answer, DON'T GIVE THEM YOUR hard earned MONEY.

Thoroughly Check Out those you have not met or never heard of before.

BE CAREFUL of those whose names are similar to a well-known charity.

· Be cautious of those charities that only ask for cash. Always send or give by check or Credit Card made out to the NAME of the charity -- and not the individual requesting the donation.

LEARN ABOUT THE PIGEON DROP

THE PIGEON DROP is when a person approaches you to say that he just found a large sum of money.

What should he do with it?

Maybe YOU can suggest something.

He then leaves to check out what his boss says to do with the money. Later, he comes back saying that his boss suggested that you guys divide the money equally...

BUT, first, each of you must "put up" a certain amount of "good faith money."

This is a common scam on the internet. My husband wants to donate his millions to charity. It is in a bank in England. If you deposit a sum as good faith, you will find the total deposited in your bank account.

Once you hand over your portion -- you'll never see or hear from that con artist again.

THE BANK EXAMINER

A con artist will contact you and tell you he is a BANK EXAMINER, or a bank officier, patrol officer -- and he needs your help to trap a dishonest bank teller.

Your job? Just withdraw your savings and give the money to him so he can check the serial numbers and track that money later.

IF you do withdraw your money - you've been "stung!"

No reputable bank official would EVER ask you to withdraw your $$$.

YES. It's difficult to comprehend that anyone would fall for such tricks. But those con guys are the greatest actors you'll ever encounter.

Both the "pigeon drop" and the "bank examiner" methods are extremely successful con schemes.

Don't be a fool.

REPORT THEM BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE

Con artists can be violent. Always have Self Defense products from Home-Defender with you - and make sure that at home and anywhere you go you record with hidden video systems... from GuardianSentinel Check out the ingenious hidden cameras