With the holiday season fast approaching and the spirit of generosity in the air, Oklahoma's Attorney General Gentner Drummond has a message for those ready to open their hearts and wallets. In a recent Oklahoma Attorney General's Office announcement, Drummond urged Oklahomans to practice safe and informed charitable giving, highlighting the importance of verifying the legitimacy of organizations before making donations.
Giving Tuesday, falling on Dec. 2, marks the commencement of what's known as the philanthropy sector's busiest time. Despite the surge in generosity, donors find themselves facing the threat of deceptive schemes. To ensure their contributions actually reach those in need, Attorney General Drummond has laid out steps for donors, an effort to safeguard against the exploitation of this season's goodwill.
"Oklahomans are incredibly generous people, and we see the Oklahoma Standard in action especially during the holidays as people show up for their neighbors with kindness and generosity," Drummond said in a statement obtained by the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office. However, he cautioned that this generosity often brings "bad actors" out of the woodwork, looking to take advantage of the situation.
Recognizing the potential for fraud, Drummond has bestowed upon the Charity Enforcement Unit, created earlier this year, the responsibility of cracking down on scams. This team dedicates itself to aiding donors, ensuring charities comply with state laws, and donations reach their rightful destination. Oklahoma's commitment to its communities runs deep, evidenced by this proactive measure to protect the tradition of holiday giving.
As the holiday season approaches, officials remind the public to exercise caution when making charitable donations. Before providing payment information, donors are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of the organization to ensure their contributions reach the intended recipients rather than fraudulent actors. Authorities emphasize that individuals should make informed decisions about where their donations are directed, as mentioned in the same news.
