MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Secretary of State warns Washingtonians about giving to fake charities

Nov 30, 2021, 1:58 PM

charity, giving...

A child looks through books during a Families Feeding Families event in Texas. (File photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

(File photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

While it’s the season for charitable giving, it’s also the season for scammers.

Are you among the 11.5% of Americans not buying holiday gifts in 2021?

On “Giving Tuesday,” the Office of the Secretary of State in Washington is encouraging people to “give smart” this holiday season and ensure their donations go to the intended causes.

“GIVESMART!” offers resources to help Washingtonians — as well as senior centers, retirement communities, and civic and nonprofit organizations — protect themselves from being victimized by fake charities and fundraisers. The campaign is a collaboration between the secretary of state’s corporations and charities division and the state attorney general’s office.

Available resources include an info sheet, a trifold brochure, and questions for telephone solicitations checklist. There is also a new guide for online giving.

Mayfield: Focusing less on money and more on giving

The biggest tips to consider before donating are:

  • Do not give in to high-pressure solicitations demanding an immediate commitment
  • Check the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System before donating
  • Review an organization’s annual registration — if registered — including its tax-exempt status and financial information
  • Check the organization’s Better Business Bureau rating
  • Call the charity directly to make sure any solicitor from a third-party is authorized to collect donations on the charity’s behalf
  • Do not give any personal information over the phone to any charity, and do not give your personal or financial information in response to a request you did not expect

MyNorthwest News

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

1 hour ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

‘Kia Boys’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

2 hours ago

Spanaway woman shot dead...

Kate Stone

Search for shooter continues after woman shot dead while driving in Spanaway

A 47-year-old woman was shot dead in Spanaway, causing her to hit another driver head-on early Wednesday morning.

3 hours ago

nintendo redmond...

Frank Sumrall

Nintendo to lay off 86 Redmond employees this spring

Nintendo of America is laying off 86 contract workers in Redmond, beginning May 25, due to company reorganization.

4 hours ago

Everett boy missing...

Sam Campbell

4-year-old Everett boy missing, police worried he’s in danger

Police and Search and Rescue crews are looking for a missing four-year-old boy they suspect could be in danger.

5 hours ago

Image: The awnings of a store advertise the sale of lottery tickets, including Mega Millions and Po...

Steve Coogan

Lottery jackpots update: Powerball prize jumps again after $1.1B Mega Millions win

A lottery jackpots update: The Powerball prize reached an estimated $935 million ahead of Saturday night's drawing.

15 hours ago

Secretary of State warns Washingtonians about giving to fake charities