(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The end of the year is a common time for consumers to receive charitable solicitations from both legitimate charities and scam artists. Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray is cautioning consumers to research charitable organizations before donating to make sure they have a clear understanding of where their contribution will go and how it will be spent.

“Charitable giving is a wonderful way for residents of Ohio to give back to their communities,” said Cordray. “But before donating, it’s important that you are fully informed about how a charity raises money, how it spends money, what impact your gift will have and whether your donation will be tax-deductible.”

Many nonprofits hope potential donors will take advantage of tax benefits by making a donation prior to Dec. 31. Consumers should verify the tax-exempt status of the charity before making a contribution. A legitimate charity will be happy to provide all the necessary information.

Charities often solicit the public for donations through telephone calls or mailings. If professional solicitors or telemarketers are calling on behalf of the charity, they must disclose their name and the fact that they are acting as a professional solicitor.

Crooks employ a wide variety of tactics to elicit funds. Some use names similar to larger, respected organizations. Others open and close strings of charities, pocketing funds along the way.

Attorney General Cordray encourages consumers to become wise donors by asking questions and following a few simple rules. “Ask how your donation will be used and what percentage of your donation will actually stay with the charity,” said Cordray. “Some professional solicitors promise as little as 1-percent of donations to the charity and keep the rest for themselves.”

Cordray said consumers should not make a donation if the caller:

•     is unable to answer your questions.
•     uses high pressure tactics to get you to make a donation.
•     offers to pick up your donation in person.
•     insists on cash or instructs you to make your donation payable to an individual instead of a charity.

Consumers can help verify a real campaign or organization by asking for written information or calling the organization’s headquarters directly.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office can take action against fraudulent fundraising schemes. Call the Attorney General’s Office at (800) 282-0515 to find out if a specific professional solicitor campaign is properly registered or to report fraudulent or questionable fundraising efforts.

For more information about good giving habits, visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/GoodGiving.

Media Contacts:

Ted Hart: (614) 728-4127
Cell: (614) 743-2286
Holly Hollingsworth: (614) 644-0508
cell: (614) 353-7576