Protecting Georgians from Charity Fraud: Join Forces with International Charity Fraud Awareness Week

In an effort to safeguard Georgians from fraudulent charities, Attorney General Chris Carr is partnering with state charities regulators and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to observe International Charity Fraud Awareness Week from October 18-22. This coordinated campaign aims to educate charities and consumers on how to avoid charity fraud and promote wise giving.

Warning Signs of a Fraudulent Charity

Scam artists often pose as legitimate charities, attempting to commit financial theft by exploiting the generosity of Georgians. Attorney General Carr warns that it is crucial for citizens to recognize the warning signs of a fraudulent charity and take necessary precautions to mitigate any potential harm. Some common red flags include:

• High-pressure sales tactics
• Unsolicited emails or posts on social media and crowdfunding sites
• Insistence on using cash, wire transfers, or gift cards
• Refusal to provide detailed information about their identity, mission, costs, or tax-deductibility

How Scammers Operate

Scammers can set up realistic-looking websites, copy logos, or create names that closely resemble well-known charities. Some charities may be entirely bogus, while others may spend varying amounts on administrative costs rather than actual programs. To avoid falling victim to these scams:

• Do not respond to ads or posts on social media and crowdfunding sites
• Research charitable organizations thoroughly using online resources such as:
  • Give.org
  • Charitynavigator.org
  • Charitywatch.org
  • Guidestar.org

Vigilance is Key

As the holiday season approaches, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger emphasizes the importance of vigilance in detecting scam charities. “I work hard to protect Georgians from scammers, but it’s crucial for everyone to remain vigilant,” he said.

Before donating, citizens are advised to:

• Support only reputable organizations
• Review a charitable organization’s donor privacy policies
• Be wary of unsolicited requests for credit card or bank account information

Reporting Suspected Fraudulent Charitable Activity

If you suspect fraudulent charitable activity, report it to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Charities Division by calling 470-312-2640 or emailing [email protected], or to the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at consumer.ga.gov or 404-651-8600.

Remember: Protecting yourself from charity fraud is crucial. Stay informed, be cautious, and report any suspicious activity to help keep Georgians safe from scammers.