False Charities
In Canada we have a long and honourable tradition of voluntary
giving to those in need, often through charity organizations.
But if an unfamiliar charity organization contacts you
- by mail, phone, or Internet - be careful.
Bogus charities often use names that are very close to
the names of legitimate and respected charities. The
end of the
year is
the peak season for charity appeals. It also is the peak
season for the bogus charity appeals.
Warning signs
- High pressure or threatening telemarketers who want
you to contribute immediately.
- Someone calls and thanks you for a pledge you don't
remember making.
- Copycat names. Names that might be misleading
or deceiving.
What you can do
- If you receive a telephone call, ask for the information
to be sent to you in writing. Ask how much of your gift
will be used directly for the charity. Ask how much will
go toward administrative costs. Legitimate charities have
no problem giving you this information.
- Remember on an incoming call a person could be misrepresenting
a legitimate charity.
- Never give out your personal / financial information
out over the phone, or at the door. You may wish to
make out a cheque payable to the charity. You can mail the
cheque later.
- Call the charity. Find out if they know about the appeal
and have authorized it and what percentage of your donation
they will receive from your donation. Perhaps there
is a better way to give, where 100% of your donation will
reach the charity.
- Ask if the charity is registered.
Contact Revenue Canada at 1-800-267-2384 or search online
at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charities/
Ask them to give you the charitable tax number of the charity.
Question any discrepancies.
- At the beginning of each year decide which charities you
can afford to donate to - send your checks directly to their
head office, and feel good about giving. When approached
you can say that you have already given and leave it at
that. Perhaps you will consider their appeal next year when
you decide on the charities you can afford to give to.
- To file a complaint call your local police and PhoneBusters
1-888-495-8501.
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