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11/25/2009

Lexington, KY - 'Tis the season for requests for donations to charities to increase. Many organizations are hoping this season of good will might cause you to open your wallets & give. But how can you tell if your donation is going to a good cause?

Don't let the spirit of the season cause your good judgment to go out the door. Make sure the group asking for your money is doing what they say they'll do with it. Your Better Business Bureau has some questions you should ask before donating this holiday season:

Is it a charity I can trust? - Make sure it's not some fraudulent group using a sound-alike name of a reputable organization to fool you into giving to them. Get their complete name and contact information.

Check out the group with your BBB - We have access to reports on local, state and national charities that have provided the BBB with information about their programs and fundraising. Log on to the BBB's Wise Giving Alliance website at www.give.org.

How will the charity use my donation? - Beware of appeals that bring tears to your eyes but tell you little about what exactly the charity is doing to help. Ask what percentage of your donation goes to the actual cause and how much goes to fundraising.

Is there high pressure to give NOW? - Don't give in to pressure to give money on the spot, by phone with a credit card or a runner coming to get the donation before you can check it out. The charity that needs your gift today will welcome it just as much tomorrow.

If a charity's answers to your questions are vague or evasive, or if a collector asks you for cash only or to make out a check to him or her & not the charity, don't fall for it!

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Be a "Don’t Fall for It!" informant! If you have something to share you believe may be a fraudulent offer or scam, please let the BBB know! Call us at (859) 259-1008 or toll-free, 1-800-866-6668, or email us at info@lexbbb.com.