How to Avoid Schemers When Giving to Charities - Safety Precautions
How to Avoid Schemers When Giving to Charities
People nowadays are becoming more intelligent specially schemers. Usually they take their chances when tragedy strikes like the Haiti tragedy and play on peoples emotions which are specially high during the times that they are willing to give and shell out something to help the people who are stricken by the tragedy. It is during disasters that the schemers are also very active because when you really want to help you might be willing to help in a jiffy and then at the spur of the moment you just give to “so called” charities without even checking if they are indeed legitimate ones.
We can do a lot to help but then it is just frustrating at times when you found that you have been scammed for the hard earned cash that you have. I am just saying that it is good to check first if your money is going to the right persons that are in need of help.
Giving to charities is easier as it does these days too, there are ways to make your share like:
- Internet - most of the biggest charities working for children, housing, humanitarian, elderly etc have websites. Some big ones are already operational with the longest time in operations like 100 years or so
- Personal approach by phone or house to house campaign --- they can be very wise these days as they also call people in their homes and asking for donations for the local firemen or police stations etc or for any cause within the locality
- Texting a certain number -- when you are requested to text a certain number and then give your donations
- Tables at the mall, groceries etc -- When you are at the mall and then some tables are located on the side or when you go to grocery stores, there are some big bowl for donations.
- Organizations in which you are a member: Some officials of organizations requests for the members to share some if they are willing to give
When giving in to charities there are some things that you need to consider whether you need to donate to a particular charity or not:
Are they legitimate ones? How do you know if they are legitimate ones?
- Check with the charity office of your locality of indeed the organization is a valid one, yes organization not individual. You need to get informations like name, address, and phone number of the charity -- and whether or not it is registered, if it is, just get the registration number.
Things to keep in mind:
- Dropping off a donation at a charity directly, rather than going through a "middle man" who claims to be collecting on its behalf is good too.
- If somebody approach you by phone or personal asking money that is already a sign that something is wrong, they you need to verify first, but if they are your friends or relatives still you need to check if it is a scam or not.
- Don’t send out personal money or cash to anybody, send check with the organizations name on it and copy the check you sent
- Don’t divulge your bank account number (check number, etc) or any information pertaining to your bank accounts
- They can use email too, but usually the legitimate ones don’t email individuals, most often that not, personal emails asking for donations are spams, except of course if the sender is a known person to you. Still you need to verify it first.
- Be very careful when giving your credit card information as you might be in for identity theft
- Don’t click on any spam in your computer and asking you to state your personal information, you are inviting yourself to phising etc.
- The FBI is urging people to also be skeptical of people claiming to be survivors or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking Web sites too. (I saw this in CNN the other day)
- Be very wary of the guilt trip when they asked your donations, just give in what you can, no minimum needed.
- Always get a receipt of the names of the charity on it.
You might say, well, nothing is certain when you are donating but you can actually put the money or goods you are donating into proper use and in helping those who really need it by being cautious and checking it first.
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Comments
Hey PDH: Thanks for the good tips on being careful where we donate...I will pay closer attention next time...What'd you say that Ms. Charity Hodges needed...I'm ready to help...Ha!
Thanks Maita - we need these reminders. We want to make sure that money goes to the right sources and not making an individual wealthy. I've used a check before but now I am afraid to because now my bank account info is out there. So last time I used my credit care - of course this can be abused too, but at least my personal bank account is not going to be looted and I have some recourse - in forcing the credit card company to fight for me.
It just never ends - but better to be educated. Thanks.
Thank you for these tips, it will help me a lot to make the donations. My prayer for the Haiti's victims. God Bless Haiti.
Great Information Maita, I will definitely beware. The pic on the end there made me LOL....
Superb insights darkhorse.. thankyou! The pic sure makes me lol :P
Now that's my idea of charity!!! LOL
Great hub Maita full of useful information. Very well done, those scammers are everywhere, strict relatives of grave robbers. Thumb up.
Thanks Maita, I appreciate your taking the time to provide this valuable information that reminds us to stay alert when making donations. There are so many scammers who only care about themselves at the expense of suffering humanity.
Forever His,
What's that picture of my girlfriend doing here? I guess that's a charity most men can sink their teeth into!
Pretty is as pretty does. Charity is as Charity does. Thanks Maita
Good reminders. We certainly want the much needed relief money to get to the right place.
What charity does that lady run? hahaha Thanks for the tips.
This is almost an X-Rated Hub!!.. LOl Great tips and a nice ending to it. You always make things interesting.
WOW! Maita great advice thankyou.
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hey Dave, thanks for dropping by, is the wow, for Ms Charity? Hehe, Maita
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hmmm, manly, why Ms Charity only hehe, thanks, LOL, Maita
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Ms Carolyn, yes it is really good to be educated specially we wanted to be sure money is going to the right persons who are in need, I am glad you are also giving already, kudos to you BK, Maita
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Ms febrie, I also read your hubs and thnaks for that too, thanks for dropping by again, Maita
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oh Ms Tammy, you smiled hehe, did you decide to donate because already of her? hehe,Thanks, Maita
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hey nano, what about the picture hehe, thanks BTW, Maita
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Hey Cris, you like the pics dont you hmmm, thanks, Maita
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hey hypno, I agree with you, scammers can be a relative of grave robbers, whew, how about the pics, hehe, Thank hypno, Maita
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Hey Rev, your right, we just be careful when reading, thanks for dropping by, Maita
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Hey Rev, your right, we just be careful when reading, thanks for dropping by, Maita
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Hey Micky, girlfriend huh, hehe, Thanks, Maita
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hi uliveulearn, thanks dear for reading this one, and your comments are well taken, Maita
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hehe, Hello, the lady runs it from nowhere, thanks BTW, Maita
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Hey ehern, thanks hehehe, X rated little bit. dont know what she can contribute to donations though, Maita
yes true, but it's not easy these days to send them proper funding who are really in need
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hi arshumum, it is indeed not easy, but we can give but we need to check first whether these are legitimate charity organizations, thanks, Maita
Hi Maita, been a little while hope you are well. This is a good hub and good advice. It's ashame a few people have to ruin it! I only try to give to trusted charities. Thanks K.
I've been meaning to come over here to read this hub, Maita! Thanks for all of the great advice. I think that the worst people in the world are those who steal from others who give to charity. You made a lot of valid points. Thank you.
Charity Hodges, eh? I looks to me like she doesn't need anything :D In fact, I think she has a lot to give, lol.
Dohn
Nice Hub Maita, It is a good idea to check out the charity cause before giving. You gave some great tips on what to avoid. I guess if you donate to charity, you should get a little charity back. She does apear to be a giving lady.
Thanks Maita, enjoy your week.
Great pic. :)
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Hi K, yes, and how are you now, Thanks for reading this one even if you are traveling hehe, Maita
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Hi Dohn, yes Ms Charity doesnt need charity, she is charity hehe, need I say more? hehe, Thanks Dohn, Maita
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hey T, thanks for agreeing with this hub and yes Charity gives more, she is named charity hehe, Maita
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Hey hypno, thanks you like the pic hehe and dropping by again, maita
hi really a very informative hub bravo good work I will follow your tips while donating
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Hi Tipu786, thanks for your appreciation of this hub, and I know you will be careful next time when you give to charities, thanks, Maita
Woah PDH if I were a bloke I'd go for Ms Charity how can you not help but miss that pic LMAO.
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Hi blonde, yes its true, even the name is charity LOL< hehehe, thanks beautiful blonde, Maita
The natural calamity gives us the whole world an opportunity to unite and face the adversity boldly and defeat it. This disaster can only be overcome easily if everyone share and contribute in this hour of need. The hub is meticulously formatted and superbly presented. Thanks a lot for providing such an useful information.
I am very distrusting of many charities-I have seen things that have been donated to "special" places be taken by employees who are not needy!!! Makes me upset. Many people give to these places to help the NEEDY-they jack the prices up so high for the furniture and special items- that needy people can not even afford it! I find myself going into these places, and because I have a big mouth at times-I get so upset-and I will say- YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME? HOW CAN SOMEONE WHO NEEDS A KITCHEN TABLE PAY 300.00 FOR THIS? WAS THIS GIVEN TO YOU FOR FREE? ughhhh I have to shut up!
I now ONLY give furniture, clothes etc to NEEDY people hand to hand. You can always find them through churches, shelters, outside on the streets.
Do you know that I almost got a HUGE fine in Las Vegas for giving a homeless man a bag full of Mcdonalds food? I saw the cop walking over to me and I asked the man quietly "what is your name-quick-and told him mine." The cop was going to give me the ticket because you are NOT ALLOWED to feed the homeless unless it is in a specific area across town!!! When the cop questioned him about my name, vice versa-we got away with it. Jerks! One day they may be hungry and should they hope that there is people who are willing to feed them..okay..I am getting off my soapbox! hehehe
That girl Charity-she should go around and collect money for the homeless-I bet she could put them all in a nice house if she did it for a few years! hehehe U SO funny!
she is a good lady.
Ya, Pretty knows how to sell things. I know I looked. I was of course delighted to find this wonderfully informative story. But the point stands Caveat Emptor even with charity. Thanks as always
wow, great photo
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Hi Stepehn Saldana, thanks for your nice comment and for your wonderful incite, Maita
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Hey Ghost, I fully understand your take, I like that you have a helping heart but then it gets problematic at times, hehe, LAS VEGAS, what are you doing there hon, LOL,
Hmm, when you write comments, cant keep up with you, hehe, you always entertain me though,intelligent and funny take on things, and yet your true hearts always come out,
Take care always girl, maita
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Thanks asifmughal, nice lady, Thank you, Ms Charity or me, giving you mean? just kidding, Maita
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Hey bear, nice of you to drop by, thanks for your comments too, Happy weekend too, Maita
Adding the girl in the bikini picture...genius!
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hey connery, Me or Ms Charity hehe, thanks, Maita
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hey sabre, thanks dear for your comment, Maita
Thanks for the advice PrettyDarkHorse. Why did you decide to use this picture for your article? :) It seems that 50% of the Top 10 rated Hubs have pictures of attractive women. I guess sex does sell.
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Hi Kenrick, I just want you to smile, sometimes just to get to a point I need to have pics which catches attention, it is double purpose, people will read this one and they will be informed, people also are drawn to beuautiful images,
Thanks for your time, Maita
Nice hub making us all think before we give.I wonder if you could do another hub and list that some charities are honest but they take fees from the money given.Some I have heard take as much as 30% from the money.You could show two pretty girls and maybe you would get twice the responses.
"what a charity!? Oh, how on earth! Fantastic ya"
Wow! Thanks for the exposure.
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Hi Merinyu, thanks for dropping by, Maita
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Thanks online scam check for dropping by, Maita
i join for u
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thanks ravinder for dropping by, Maita
That picture in the end?! Might be a good way of getting readers... anyway, thanks for a interesting hub!
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Hi Fresh Flower, thanks for dropping by, Did you like the picture, it sure catch attention to get to the point too, Maita
I agree with you. There are many people who take advantage of the situation to deceive. We should be careful in giving a donation. thanks for share. this is nice information.
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hi prasetio, yes the key is to be careful, Thanks, Maita
nice bikini and exelent figure and i want kiss her every body
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oh thanks for dropping by
I hate scammers!
Maita congratulations ! Your hub has a score of 100 !!!! I am so happy for you my friend. :D
Great info and tips to avoid scammers, Maita. Thanks for sharing. And Congratulations!
Hi Maita, Excellent hub and well writen on a contentious subject. Little surprise that you have gained the ultimate score with it. Well done... Take Care.
um u sexy
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Hi PD, thanks for your compliments, I looked at my score now, it is not 100 anymore LOL, Take care too, Maita
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Hi merrell, thanks
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writer83, thanks for dropping by, Maita
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Hi Tony, thanks and how are you? Maita
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Thanks KarinaS, Maita
Great hub PDH. Full of good facts and very hepful. two thumsb way up to you woman and your hub!
Great hub. Good advice to keep in mind.
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Hi Crazdwriter, Thanks for your nice compliment and for dropping by, I appreciate it, night, Maita
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Hi lovelypaper, thanks for dropping by, Maita
Thanks for the nice hub.
Keep up the good work
ya its nice
Once again, great hub.
Great advice, thanks!
Hi, Maita. Thanks for sharing this great advice, dear. This is a great hub.
Good advice, there are a lot of scammers out there!
Here's an idea. Keep your charity contributions closer to home and donate time and merchandise/food directly. Donating food directly to a soup kitchen for example will never be something yo have to be concerned about when it comes to scams. The problem is, too many people out there are controlled by the media and/or are too damn lazy to actually go and do something directly. So continue to be stupid, distrusting and wasteful OR get involved near home and not stress about something stupid like money that you can afford to waste going somewhere other than where you thought.
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hi jacobkuttyta, thanks for reading this one, Maita
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wsp2469, good advice and I appreciate it,Maita
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hi praveen000007, thnaks for dropping by, Maita
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hi sean.rutger, thanks for dropping by again, Maita
Maita dear,
You just solved every would-be-donor's dilemma on whether their donations would reach their intended recipients. Well-done hub. Could even fix to a 1001 hubscore. You're really smart at knowing what best read to offer and when. Keep up the score for so long, dear.
Hey, nice hub and good advice! :)
I check every charity I consider donating to on charitynavigator.org. If they don't have a strong listing there, I don't donate.
As always Sweet Maita, you publish a worthwhile Hub. Thanks !
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Hi Russ, thanks for the visit, how are you, Maita
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Hi LRobbins thanks dear for visiting this hub, Maita
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Hi Iva, thanks for reading this hub, Maita
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Hi livelonger, I will check that site, thanks for the visit here, Maita
Great tips especially after what happened in Haiti.
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Hi Dan, thanks for reading this one, Maita
Given the news that is currently coming out of Haiti, about child-napping at the hand of so-called Charity workers, you seem to have struck a vein of popular and deep felt public sentiment. I am happy to say that you have been both lucky and very timely with this hub, which I see has been rated "100" by hub pages! You deserve serious congradulations for bringing a very appropriate subject to us all at a very appropriate time, Maita. Well done on this excellent Hub. One of the finest hubs I've read here - ever.
Best Wishes from Cheeky Girl. : )
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Hi Cheeky my girl, thank you for your nice compliments. I heard about that in the CNN news the other day. You never know actually which article may click LOL, I just keep on writing what I know Cheeky, but thanks it is 100 hmmm, Thanks dear for reading this one, Maita
great hub. thanks
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thanks tdarby! Maita
very relevant, after the haiti earthquake. good stuff.
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hi garcilazoland, thank you, Maita
Good Article and good advice; it is a shame a few scammers ruin it for many that are in need.
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hey cool, thank you and happy weekend, Maita
Thank you for your article! These scammers and schemers are most dishonest.
What about these people....They continually distribute your hard-earned money to companies who make your number 30,000 cancer or diabetes drugs. Continually offering "hope" in the disguise of a pill. High-profile people who may run a marathon or anything just to make people donate. And then one day you discover, by God....these companies are so much more RICHER than you, the donator! Why in heavens are the poorer donating to the rich through these people??? Left me a lot to think what scammers and schemers are.
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thank you My Qute, your description and comments says it all, Thanks dear, I most agree with you,
hi nice hub and advice
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asifikhlas, thank you
very nice prettydarkhouse
Awesome hub, and you're right! its sad that people will go to such lengths to take advantage of the unfortunes of others.
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