Charities
Donations to charities are a critical source of funding for many worthwhile causes. Unfortunately, individuals may pretend to raise money for charity, while in fact keeping the donations. As a donor, it is important to be informed so that you can feel confident about where your money is going.
How can you become an informed donor?
- Gather as much information as possible on the charity and find out how much of your donation will go to charitable activity.
- Never give out personal information to anyone or any organization that you do not know.
- Visit the Canada Revenue Agency website to verify if a charity is registered under the Income Tax Act and access its annual information return. Only registered charities can issue official donation receipts.
Before making a donation, beware of...
- High-pressure solicitors who want you to contribute immediately. Remember that you are entitled to take as much time as you need to make your decision and to say "no" if you wish.
- Someone who contacts you to thank you for a pledge you do not remember making. These people want you to feel a false sense of familiarity and lure you into believing that your previous donation made a difference in your community, when in fact, you never gave money to this fraudulent organization.
- Names that "sound" like well-known charities, but that are not quite the same. Scam artists will use similar wording, logos and graphics to make you believe you are giving to a national, well-known charitable organization.
For more information on registered charities, please visit the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) website or call the bilingual toll free number at 1-888-892-5667.
If you have been a victim of a charitable donations fraud, please contact Phonebusters at 1-888-495-8501.
