Do Your Research Before Donating to a Charity or Fundraiser

Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 -- 12:01 PM

(Raymond Neupert, WRN) Before opening up your pocketbook to help a charity or fundraiser, be sure your money isn't going to a crook.

State consumer protection director Michael Domke says they've had reports of people sending money to online fundraisers that weren't legitimate. "Criminals are preying on human emotion. And everyone would typically try and rally around a cause and most of them may be for good causes, but there's always going to be that criminal element."

Domke says not all of the fundraisers you see in your feed are on the up and up. "Please make sure you do a little bit of homework and verify the organization that you're donating to is legitimate and that the money is going to the right cause."

Domke continued, "Legitimate organizations are not going to ask you to send gift cards, they're not going to ask you to go and get a Money Gram and send it you know, they're going to be looking for direct donations."

An independent Go Fund Me might not be from the group that's had an emergency, and charity websites can be spoofed. When in doubt, contact that charity directly and find out the best way to donate.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.