It’s a common problem that recently in the light of the unfortunate Boston Marathon bombing has once again emphasized how important it is to do your due diligence when choosing non profit organizations to consider submitting charitable donations. According to a blog post on jsonline.com, there has been at least one poorly-conceived charity scam that has popped up since the Boston Marathon bombing last week. Therefore the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, the national charity monitoring arm of the Better Business Bureau, cautions donors of the potential red flags to consider with donating to tragedy-related charity organizations.
“Tragedies inspire people to give,” said H. Art Taylor, president and CEO of the Alliance, “but, tragedies – whether natural disasters or manmade catastrophes – also inspire scammers to take advantage of that generosity. Social media, in particular, makes it very easy to reach a lot of people quickly, when emotions are running high and people feel the need to take action, any action, to help.” 
So if you’re wondering how to support a cause when a tragedy strikes, here are some tips offered by the BBB to ensure that you’re not duped.
Be Thoughtful
Take the time to check out the charity and its website to avoid wasting your generosity and charitable donations.
Spread the Word
Caution your friends and family to think twice as well, especially when it comes to charitable giving after a tragedy. People are often emotionally moved by these types of situations and may react before carefully considering.
State Government Registration
Most states require that charities register with a state government agency before they solicit for charitable donations. If the charity you’re considering isn’t registered, that should be a red flag.
Use of Donation
Beware of vague appeals that don’t explain fully how funds are used. Also, see if the appeal identifies when the collected funds will be used.
Online
Steer clear of clicking on links to charities on unfamiliar websites or in texts or emails. They may take you to a lookalike website where you are asked to provide personal information.
Newly Created Organizations
It’s completely up to you; however, an established charity will more likely have the experience to address a tragedy and also have a track record that can be evaluated. While totally well-meaning, a new organization can be difficult to check out and may not be well managed.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can be sure that your charitable donations to a tragedy such as the Boston Marathon are going to a reputable place that you can trust.
David via Compfight
