6/28/2012 - West Side Leader
     

SUMMIT COUNTY — According to the Summit County Office of Consumer Affairs, a local business reported receiving calls from an individual claiming to be from the Summit County Police Department asking for donations to take needy children shopping at Wal-Mart. When the business started questioning the telemarketer about the donation, the caller became abusive and hung up.

It is not uncommon for fraudulent telemarketers to use familiar sounding names that mimic legitimate organizations, and just because the words “police,” “firefighter” or “veteran” come up in a name does not mean that it is affiliated with local agencies.

“This is a great opportunity for our office to remind consumers and businesses alike to be skeptical of solicitations for donations by phone, mail or even in-person,” said Cynthia Sich, director of the Summit County Office of Consumer Affairs. “In this instance, the scammer claimed to be from an agency that does not exist in our area. Had the business not asked questions but just gave their account information, their donation, and possibly more, would have gone into the pockets of the con artist and not to help those in need.”

The Consumer Affairs office advises people to ask questions and find out exactly who they are dealing with, where the funds will go and how they are used. Below are tips to help when donating:

• Contact the Ohio Attorney General at 800-282-0515 to see if the group is registered in Ohio or do an online search at www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/CharitableSearch.aspx.

• For more charity watchdog services, visit the American Institute of Philanthropy, Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance.

• Resist pressure. Legitimate charities will be happy to send detailed information. Send a check or money order so that you have a receipt of your contribution.

• Many appeals are made by third-party solicitors who work at for-profit firms that may keep a large portion of each donation. Ask how much of your donation will go directly to the charity.

• Ask if the charity is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. If not, you cannot deduct the donation on your taxes.

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