AG offers tips on wise holiday giving, avoiding scams

By Globe Staff

It's the season for charitable giving. It's also the season to beware of scam artists who prey on people's generosity. So the attorney general's office is advising people to give wisely over the holidays.

Here are some suggestions from the office on how to ensure that your contributions make a difference for the truly needy, rather than line the pockets of scam artists.

-- Verify the name, address, and telephone number of the charity.
-- Ask how the charitable funds will be used.
-- Keep records and canceled checks, in case you have a complaint later.
-- Research whether the charity is registered to operate in the state by calling the attorney general's office at 617-727-2200, ext 1701.
-- Call the local police department (some require charities to register before soliciting).
-- Call the beneficiaries of the charitable funds to see if they have authorized the solicitation.
-- If a fund-raiser comes to your door, ask for identification.
-- Pay by check to the charity, not the fund-raiser; never give your credit card number to a fund-raiser over the phone.

You don't need to be rude in dealing with solicitors, but you do need to protect yourself, the office said.

"We just want to remind people to be mindful of who they are donating to. It's a time people want to give to charities, donate money to help other people, but there are also some not-so-legitimate organizations out there that may try to prey on people," said attorney general's spokesman Harry Pierre.

"If you don't feel comfortable, you do have the right to turn people away," said Pierre.

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