Airports, Doorbells, Phone Calls and Cardboard Signs

Unfortunately there are a lot of people who take advantage of Americans’ charitable giving generosity by running scams and other approaches to con you out of your money. It is important to stress that many charities do personal solicitations BUT you need to be on guard for those that pose as bona-fide charities but aren’t.

You see people at airports, outside supermarkets, and standing by stop signs with a cardboard sign asking for money. If you’re feeling generous and just want to help someone who appears to be “down and out” then that’s fine. But did you know that many people who pan-handle actually go through a training period to get your money? And some of them earn well over $100 per day doing just that. In fact the people with the cardboard signs at stoplights know that the sign itself is an art form. Many are careful to use the key words, “veteran,” “will work for food,” and “God Bless.” At airports, some people asking for your money wear authentic-looking uniforms or religious outfits of some type. And the same is true if someone rings your doorbell or stands outside of a supermarket. But the worst cons are done by phone where a person tells you he or she is raising money for a police or fire organization. Don’t you believe it for a minute.

If you get a phone call asking for money, tell that person you need them to fax or mail their federal ID number. Every registered tax exempt organization has one. You will also want a copy of their tax-exempt letter from the IRS, recognizing them as a 501 (c ) (3 ) non-profit. The next thing you will probably hear is a click at the other end of the line. So, whether it is by phone, in person or in the mail, a bona-fide representative of a charity will readily provide you with proof that they are in fact a tax deductible charitable organization. In addition, some cities require that anyone raising funds for a charity must have a permit.