Take Precautions when making donations

Tip of the Week: Take precautions when making donations this holiday season
Before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, including the following:

• Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming emails, including by clicking links contained within those messages, because they may contain computer viruses.
• Be cautious of individuals representing themselves as victims or officials asking for donations via email or social networking sites.
• Beware of organizations with copycat names similar to, but not exactly the same as, those of reputable charities.
• Rather than following a purported link to a website, verify the existence and legitimacy of non-profit organizations by searching for the organization online.
• To ensure that contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make donations directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.