With "Giving Tuesday" and the holiday cheer upon us, well-intentioned New Yorkers readying to open their wallets for charity might need to open their eyes first, says Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. In guidance designed to help donors avoid scams, AG Campbell's pro tips lay out the roadmap for a charity checkup—just in time for the season of giving, according to the press release.
The AG's office is looking to keep you from being duped while doing good. As she put it, "My team and I are issuing guidance for residents to ensure that those able to give can make well-informed decisions when donating and are able to make the most impact with their donations."
And here's the kicker—some charities, AG Campbell notes, shell out cash to professional solicitors whose fundraising finesse doesn't come cheap. Massachusetts law demands these charities register with the AG's office.
The truth in the charity's tale isn't just in its mission but also in their money trail. The Attorney General cautions, assigning homework to potential donors: "Know your charity." Check their vitals—name, address, number. And when they say, "all proceeds go to charity."
Security-savvy givers should switch strategies to credit cards when making online donations, creating an electronic lifeline for their funds. Cash or debit? AG Campbell thumbs down that plan, giving an extra layer of protection to the philanthropically prudent.
For those who'd like a peek into a charity's closet before investing, the AG's Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division has the skinny on these organizations' deals, programs, and fine print—all neatly filed online and open to public perusal. And for the fiscally astute, an IRS check can confirm if that thank-you-for-donating letter will mean deductions come tax time.
If your charitable heart leads you down a shady path or the pitch just doesn't add up, the Attorney General's Office is on standby. Their hotline is 617-963-2101 and online complaint forms are waiting for whistleblowers at the official website.
