COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray is warning the public to do research on charitable organizations before donating money to make sure they have a clear understanding on where their money will go and how it will be spent.
Cordray says consumers should verify the tax-exempt status of the charity before making the contribution. A legitimate charity will be happy to provide all of the necessary information to consumers that ask.
Cordray said consumers should not make a donation if the caller:
•is unable to answer your questions.
•uses high pressure tactics to get you to make a donation.
•offers to pick up your donation in person.
•insists on cash or instructs you to make your donation payable to an individual instead of a charity.
Consumers can help verify a real campaign or organization by asking for written information or calling the organization’s headquarters directly.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office can take action against fraudulent fundraising schemes. Call the Attorney General’s Office at (800) 282-0515 to find out if a specific professional solicitor campaign is properly registered or to report fraudulent or questionable fundraising efforts.
For more information about good giving habits, visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/GoodGiving.
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