2008 PRESS RELEASES

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December 5, 2008
DONATE WISELY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820

With money running a bit short and requests for contributions growing ever longer, it is especially important to consider carefully before making a charitable contribution during the 2008 holiday season. 

According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (VDACS) Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA), generous Virginians will donate hundreds of millions of dollars to charitable causes between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Todd P. Haymore, VDACS Commissioner, advises, “At this economically challenging time, it is vital that every charitable contribution go to assist those in need and not to a scam artist.  Many charities need and deserve support so donors should take the extra time to be sure their generosity goes where it can do the most good and not to a fraudulent enterprise.”

VDACS experts warn that the holidays can be especially challenging because potential donors receive numerous appeals and may not have time to review each one fully before agreeing to give. Donors need to be aware of possible pitfalls when making charitable contributions. 

For instance, fraudulent charities may use names that sound very much like those of respected groups to trade on their good reputations.  Suspect groups may pressure consumers for a quick decision to eliminate time for research and reflection.  Some shady solicitors may offer especially touching, but unsubstantiated, stories to elicit sympathy and contributions. 

People may receive solicitations from public safety-related groups that have the words “police,” “firefighter,” “law enforcement,” “rescue squad,” “sheriff” or other well-regarded entities as part of the name of the organization.  The Department warns that merely having these words in a group’s name does not necessarily mean that local police, firefighters or rescue squad members belong to the group or benefit from it.  Anyone who receives such a solicitation should verify the fundraiser’s claims before making a donation. 

Consumers should be aware that many charities use paid professionals to ask for donations.  When professional solicitors do the fundraising, the solicitors receive approximately 70% to 90% of the money raised, leaving charities with only 10 to 30 cents for every dollar given.  By law, telephone solicitors are required to tell you the name of the company which employs them and that they are paid to solicit.  Be suspicious of anyone who does not volunteer this information.

No matter what form the appeal takes, the Office of Consumer Affairs advises that you take time to consider each request and base your response on reliable information, supplied by the charity and confirmed by the Office of Consumer Affairs.  Giving to questionable groups takes money away from the truly worthwhile causes, which need as much support as possible.

The Office of Consumer Affairs has devised a list of Ten Tips for Giving when making donations to charities:

1. Know the charity. Never give to a charity unless you know its history, purpose and reputation.
2. Listen closely to the name of the charity. Before contributing, be sure the name is the one you know and respect.
3. Do not give in to pressure. Legitimate organizations do not expect you to contribute immediately if you are unfamiliar with their services.
4. Don’t be fooled by a hard-luck tale. Base contributions on factual, relevant information only.
5. Request information. Ask how much of your donation will be spent on fund-raising and administration versus how much will actually support the organization’s charitable purpose.
6. Listen for disclosures. Be suspicious of any telephone solicitor who does not tell you the name of the company which employs them and that they are paid to solicit.
7. Examine gift offers. If you receive a mail solicitation that includes a gift such as greeting cards or address labels, state law specifies that unless you asked for the item, it is yours to keep without making a contribution.
8. Verify registration with OCA.  State law requires that most organizations that solicit contributions in Virginia must register with OCA.  Click here to check on an organization.
9. Request identification. When solicited in person, always ask to see identification for both the solicitor and the charity.
10. Do not give cash. Instead, write a check payable to the charity, not the individual solicitor. 

For additional information about charities and charitable solicitations, call the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ consumer protection hotline, toll-free in Virginia, at 1.800.552.9963, or in the Richmond area, dial 804.786.1343.