What
should I do if a professional solicitor calls asking me to make a donation?
According to state law,
the caller must disclose the following facts:
* The name of the professional solicitor (as on file with the Attorney
General’s
Office).
* The name and address of the charity that will receive the donation.
* The specific charitable purpose for which the donation will be used.
Warning
signs to look for when deciding to make a donation:
* The caller is hesitant to answer any of your questions.
* High pressure tactics are used.
* The name of the charity sounds similar to a well-known national
charity.
* Caller requests that your check be made payable to an individual rather
than the charity.
* You are “guaranteed to win a prize” if you make a donation.
* The caller offers to have a courier immediately pick up the donation from you instead of waiting to receive it through the mail.
Where can
I get more information on charitable organizations and
* Call the charity directly and request brochures and
financial reports.
* Call your local Better Business Bureau. (Cleveland
216-241-7678;
Cincinnati 513-421-3015)
* Contact Attorney General Montgomery’s Charitable
Foundations Section.