Financial Crime Awareness Campaigns Launched Across Georgia

As part of International Charity Fraud Awareness Week, Attorney General Chris Carr has joined forces with state charities regulators and the Federal Trade Commission to combat charity fraud and promote wise giving practices among Georgians.

Combating Charity Fraud

Carr warned that scam artists often exploit citizens’ generosity by posing as legitimate charities, committing financial theft in the process. “It’s crucial for consumers to be aware of the warning signs of fraudulent charities and take steps to protect themselves from potential scams,” he emphasized.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• High-pressure sales tactics or emotional appeals
• Unsolicited emails asking for financial information
• Insistence on cash, wire transfers, or gift cards
• Organizations popping up quickly after a tragedy or natural disaster
• Lack of transparency regarding identity, mission, costs, and donation usage

Protecting Yourself from Charity Fraud

To avoid becoming a victim of charity fraud, Georgians are advised to:

Best Practices for Giving

• Only donate to reputable organizations they know and trust
• Research charities on websites such as:
  • give.org
  • charitynavigator.org
  • charitywatch.org
  • guidestar.org
• Review donor privacy policies before sharing personal information
• Never provide credit card or bank account information in response to unsolicited requests

Reporting Suspicious Charitable Solicitations

Georgians can report suspicious charitable solicitations to:

• Georgia Secretary of State’s Charities Division (470-312-2640)
• Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division (404-651-8600)

Staying Informed and Proactive

By staying informed and taking proactive measures, Georgians can safeguard their hard-earned money and support legitimate charities that make a positive impact in their communities.