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Charitable Giving Tips During The Holidays

CNN

As Kentuckians generously open their pocketbooks and wallets for those in need of a helping hand this holiday season, Attorney General Jack Conway wants to make sure your charitable donations do not end up in the hands of scam artists.

“Much like storms and natural disasters, the season of giving brings out the best and worst in people,” Attorney General Conway said. 

“Scam artists and dishonest or fraudulent charities not only take advantage of the kindness of others, they deprive reputable charitable organizations of crucial resources needed to help provide clothes for a child or food for a struggling family.  If you plan to give to a charitable organization over the holidays, gather as much information as possible to make sure the charity is not a scam and that your donation reaches someone in need,” Conway added.

Attorney General Conway and his Office of Consumer Protection ask that you keep the following tips in mind if you choose to make a charitable donation this holiday season:

• Donate to charities you know and trust.  When possible, take the time to verify the address, phone number, and additional contact information. Consider a charity's history, purpose, track record, and reputation.

• If you are contributing over the Internet, make sure that the website you are visiting belongs to a legitimate, established, and registered charity, and that the website and the charity match.  Also, make sure the site is secure and will offer protection for your credit-card information.

• Be cautious of sound-alike charities and solicitors unable to answer questions.

• Where possible, make donations by check or credit card rather than cash.

• Beware of unsolicited email requests that appear to come from a legitimate charity.  These requests may actually be phishing scams designed to gain access to passwords, credit-card data and personal information.

• Don’t be pressured into making a donation.

• Ask for identification and written information when you’re approached in person.

Attorney General Conway also encourages Kentuckians to utilize his office’s charitable giving database to research a charity before making a donation. The database at: http://ag.ky.gov/civil/consumerprotection/charity

The database lists which charities have registered with the Office of the Attorney General. Consumers also have the ability to find out what percentage of their charitable donation actually goes to the charity and what percentage goes to a paid solicitor.  

Story provided by Kentucky Office of the Attorney General

Paul Hitchcock earned his Masters in Communications from Morehead State University and Bachelors in Radio-TV/Psychology from Georgetown College. A veteran broadcaster for more than 40 years and an avid fan of blues, jazz and American roots music. Hitchcock has been with WMKY since 1986 and was named General Manager in 2003. He currently hosts "Muddy Bottom Blues" (Fri., 8pm-9pm), "Nothin' But The Blues" (Sat., 8pm-12am), "Sunday Night Jazz Showcase" and "Live From The Jazz Lounge" (Sun., 8pm-9pm) and "The Golden Age of Radio" (Sun., 2pm-3pm). He also serves as producer for "A Time For Tales" and "The Reader's Notebook."
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