3 Tips for Avoiding Charity Scams
“˜Tis the season of giving, and you might want to support a local charity during the holidays to help others in need in your community. That’s wonderful! But keep in mind, in a world of reputable charities making a difference in the lives of others, there are also some bad actors poised to take advantage of your generosity.
We’ve gathered three tips to help you give wisely and avoid falling victim to a charity scam this giving season:
#1: Do Your Research
First, it’s important to put in the work to ensure your donation doesn’t end up in the pockets of scammers. Doing your research can help you identify the charities that are truly making a difference!
Start by browsing the charity’s website to look for specific explanations for how donations are used, as well as descriptions of the organization’s mission, programs and services. Look for clear examples of how the organization is fulfilling its mission. For instance, at Ohio Valley Goodwill, we’re proud to share Success Stories of the individuals we’ve been able to serve, thanks to the generous donation and shopping support of community members like you!
#2: Avoid Name Confusion
Don’t rush into a donation just because the name of the organization sounds familiar to you. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), some scammers use names that sound like other charities to trick you and falsely earn your trust. Always double-check the charity name and thoroughly search the website.
If you’re talking with a representative of the charity, it’s okay to ask for clarification as well. Don’t feel pressured to give in the moment. A legitimate charity will gladly accept your donation whenever you are willing to give one “” scammers will rush you into making a decision!
#3: Check Charity Ratings
There are a variety of websites that help you research charities and provide information on their mission and how they put your donations to work. Before you donate, check out online charity databases such as the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar, or Charity Navigator. These tools provide helpful information on individual organizations, their finances, programming, and overall impact.
Donated car at Ohio Valley Goodwill
Donating to Goodwill is a Donation You Can Feel Good About!
Donating clothing and household items to Ohio Valley Goodwill is a chance to create job opportunities for people in your own community who face barriers to employment. Find your nearest Goodwill donation location today!
And, if you’ve been thinking about donating a vehicle this holiday season, there’s still time to give to Ohio Valley Goodwill’s car donation program before the end of the year and take advantage of a potential tax deduction! Donating your old car to Goodwill is a smart decision that you can feel great about. Unlike some car donation programs, Ohio Valley Goodwill operates our Cincinnati car donation program and weekly auto auction completely in-house, which means there’s no third-party company getting a cut of your generous car donation.
You can easily get started by completing our online form. It’s a simple process, and you can even arrange for a tow free of charge! Best of all, you’ll rest easy knowing you’re making a lasting difference in Cincinnati through your car donation to Ohio Valley Goodwill.
