Right now, you’re spending time and money to make sure each person in your organization is who they say they are with pre-employment background checks and annual MVRs. However, do you do the same with the charities you contribute to? Do you know where the money goes when you write that donation check? Check out the charities we support on the right.
While we think of fraud when it comes to potential hires and email scams, we don’t like to consider fraudulent charities. However, the holiday season is when this type of fraud is most common. Even the Salvation Army has sent out warnings this year—United Resource Marketing Inc. is apparently promising easy cash for independent fundraisers. Then, they take the money and run.
So, how do you avoid getting caught by a charity fraud this holiday season? We’ve included a check list from the Federal Trade Commission to help you as you select your charity of choice.
- Ask for the name of the charity if a telephone solicitor does not provide it promptly.
- Ask what percentage of your donation will support the cause described in the solicitation.
- Verify that the charity has authorized the solicitation. Check out a charity by contacting the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance: 4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203; 703-276-0100; www.give.org.
- Do not give out personal or financial information – including Social Security, credit card and bank account numbers – to anyone who solicits a contribution from you. Scam artists can use this information to commit fraud against you.
- Ask for a receipt showing the amount of the contribution and stating that it is tax- deductible.
- Do not give cash. For security and tax record purposes, it is best to pay by check – made payable to the beneficiary, not the solicitor.
- Ask for identification if you are approached in person. Many states require paid fundraisers to identify themselves as such and to name the charity for which they are soliciting.
Don’t get caught by fraudulent employees or fraudulent charities this season. A little bit of due diligence will lead to a happy holiday this season.
Sincerely,
Jeff Rackler, CEO
KRESS Employment Screening
jrackler@kressinc.com
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