OCEAN COUNTY – Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari is reminding residents about giving back during this holiday season.
“Charitable giving is more important this year than in the past,” said Vicari, who serves as Chairman to the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs. “I encourage those who are capable of doing so to consider supporting charities and toy drives as we get closer to the holidays.”
With many charitable organizations looking for donations during the holidays, it is important to remember to make sure your donations will get into the right hands.
“The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs is working to make sure our citizens do not get ripped off by unscrupulous scam artists looking to make a buck on the backs of legitimate charities,” said Vicari. “Consumer Affairs staff is available to help answer questions on scams and whether a charity is legitimate.”
The Department of Consumer Affairs has provided a checklist to help residents when they are deciding on a charity for a donation. The checklist includes the following:
- Know your charity. Never give to a charity you know nothing about. Ask for literature and read it. Ask questions. Honest charities encourage you to do so.
- Do not be misled by a familiar name. A dishonest charity will often have an impressive name or one that closely resembles the name of a respected, legitimate one.
- Demand identification. Always ask to see identification for both the solicitor and the charity. Be suspicious of anyone who cannot respond satisfactorily. All solicitors must disclose whether they are a volunteer or a paid solicitor.
- Beware of telephone solicitations. Refuse to commit yourself over the phone. Ask to be sent written information.
- Do not be seduced by emotional appeals. The hard luck story is a favorite of fraudulent operators.
- Do not succumb to pressure. No legitimate organization will expect you to contribute immediately, even if you have given in the past.
- Check out mail solicitations. Mail solicitations often come with a trinket or other item which you are told you can keep if you contribute. Federal law however says that unless you asked for the item, you may keep it without making a contribution.
- Ask about professional fundraisers. Ask the solicitor if a professional fund-raiser is being used and if so, what percentage of the total money will actually go to the charity which is asking for your help.
“We continually encourage our seniors and all of our residents to not give out their credit card numbers to strangers over the phone, keep track of their donations, ignore harassing letters and don’t give cash,” said Vicari. “We want all of our citizens to be protected under the consumer laws. We especially want our older residents to be aware that scam artists are out there and looking to take advantage of them. We are doing our best to protect them.”
If you would like more information on whether a charity is registered, whether it uses a professional fund-raiser or has a history of complaints, contact the Charities Hotline at 973-504-6215 or, contact the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs at 732-929-2105.
