Fraud Alerts/PSAs
November 9, 2018: Investigate Police, Firefighter Charities Before Donating
People who want to help first-responders should beware of crooks using a uniform to con others.
In the Police and Firefighter Charity Scam, fraudsters claim to represent organizations that benefit police, firefighters or other public safety personnel.
But some charities spend most of their donations on administrative costs or don’t use the funds the way they promised. Others may not be legitimate charities at all.
Just because an organization has “police” or “firefighter” in its name, doesn’t mean that it actually will use the money to assist these public servants.
TIPS:
- Research the organization; confirm a California charity’s status at rct.doj.ca.gov.
- Reputable charities tell how money is spent and if the donation is tax deductible.
- Don’t give donations in cash, by wire or as gift cards.
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