COAKLEY URGES DONORS TO WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS
Attorney General Martha Coakley on Wednesday reminded those who want to
give to support victims of the Boston Marathon attacks to do their homework
first to ensure the charity is reputable. More than 125 website domain
names relating to the Boston Marathon explosions were registered within a
few hours of the attacks Monday, according to Consumer Affairs
Undersecretary Barbra Anthony. Fraudulent websites have popped up in the
aftermath of other national tragedies, including the Sandy Hook
Elementary School shootings in Newtown. Coakley warned would-be donors
to protect themselves from fundraising scams by making sure any websites
they visit match a registered charity and to beware of professional
fundraisers who try to make their solicitations sound like they are
coming directly from the charity itself or volunteers. Coakley's office
offered a handful of tips, including getting to know the charity by
taking time to verify the address, phone number, and contact information
and reviewing the website and written material. When possible, consider
the charity's history. Be wary of appeals that are "long on emotion,"
according to Coakley's office. A legitimate charity will tell donors how
it's using the money after a disaster. Do not pay cash and never give a
credit card number to a fundraiser over the phone. Websites like
Charitynavigator.org and BBB.org/charity help donors get additional
information on a particular charity.
Charitynavigator.org