MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is offering tips for Giving Tuesday to ensure people’s donations truly reach their charitable organizations of choice.
“Scammers sometimes use phony websites and high-pressure pitches to gather funds for fake charities in an effort to steal your money and personal information,” said Lara Sutherlin, Administrator of DATCP’s Division of Trade and Consumer Protection.
The DATCP said in a release that if people receive a phone call, email, or text from someone asking for a donation they do not make a payment over the phone, click on links or attachments in emails, text messages, or social media posts and do not share information with senders you do not know.
“With a little research and a few precautions, you can help ensure your donations will be used as intended and go to organizations that are genuinely serving others,” said Patti Epstein, Administrator of DFI’s Division of Corporate and Consumer Services.
The DATCP is also asking people to watch for imposter website links or social media profiles by checking the spelling of the charity’s name on the account and website: “If you don’t recognize the name or number, ask who is making the request, how your donation will be used and what percentage of your donation will be used for program services rather than for administrative, management, or fundraising costs.”
People can review the DFI’s webpage on charitable organizations which includes tips for donors and a database of state-registered charitable organizations.
More information on protecting yourself from charitable donations scams can be found on the DATCP’s website.
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