Online Charity Scammers to Increase During Holiday Season

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – According to charitynavigator.org, organizations receive 41 percent of their donations during the last few weeks of the year, because people are looking for a tax deduction.

Better Business Bureau President Kelvin Collins says donors need to research charity websites, and make contact with the organization before they consider making a generous donation.

“We’re going into the holidays, and everyone has that Christmas spirit,” Collins says, “They want to help their fellow man-scam artist know that-and they’re going to pull at your heart strings, and they’re going to try to separate you from your money…that’s their goal.”

He adds it’s important to look at credible information beforehand.

“If you’ve got someone that’s just calling you out of the blue ask them to send you something in writing, ask them to send you a copy of their 990 financial reports that they send to the IRS. That way you can tell where there money is going.”

If you’re looking to donate during the holidays, you can check out a few websites to give you more background, and current information on various charities:

– Give.org

– BBB.org

– Guidestar.org

– Charitynavigator.org