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Protect Yourself from Charity Fraud
12/08/09 - 05:09 PM
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Jessi Chapin - bio
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click for larger image Panama City, Fla:

It’s the season for giving, but do you know where your donation is going?  Panama City Police officers say crime and fraud escalates this time of year, and they’ve already heard several cases of fraud.

“Christmas time, people trying to get by having hard economic times and doing what they feel they can or need to do during the holiday season,” said Det. Chris Taylor, “People walking around parking lots, soliciting around homes, claiming to be with certain organizations when they’re truly not.  Just people out trying to mislead the public.”

There are resources that can help.  The Better Business Bureau’s Charity Giving Guide has a 20-point evaluation of more than 30 organizations in the Panhandle.  However, only 4 of those organizations gained fully accreditation by the BBB. 

“There are organizations that claim to be a charitable organization but a lot of your dollar will go to administrative funds which they consider salaries and funds to operate a business and not all of your donation goes to an actual person or entity that you thought it would,” said Taylor.

The Police Department participates in several charities, but they say they’ve done their research.  Toys for Tots, one of their largest seasonal charities gives 98 percent of its money toward the children, and all money and toys donated locally go to local families.

“We’ve got organizations that help out country-wide and your donation may not stay here locally,” said Taylor, “The best thing to do is if you’re not sure… confirm that your donations your money is going to stay local.”

Taylor also advises anyone with questions about solicitors or donations to contact those organizations directly.

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