Charity Check: Don’t be deceived by sham charities claiming to help veterans and service members

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Every year, many Americans honor the sacrifices made by those who serve in the U.S. armed forces with contributions to charities that promise to deliver needed help to veterans and service members. Most of these charities live up to fundraising promises, but a few attract donations by lying about the support they deliver. This harms well-meaning donors and the many legitimate charities engaged in important work on behalf of veterans and service members.

To protect donors, Attorney General Racine joined the Federal Trade Commission and law enforcement officials from every state today in announcing “Operation Donate with Honor,” a sweeping new education campaign to help donors learn how to spot deceptive solicitations and make sure their contributions actually benefit veterans and service members. As part of this campaign, OAG has partnered on educational materials in English and Spanish and a PSA about spotting charity scams.

If you are considering donating to a charity, here are some tips to make sure you’re donating wisely:

  • Ask for the charity’s name, website, and physical location;
  • Ask how much of any donation will go to the charitable program you want to support;
  • Remember that an organization may not be authentic just because it uses words like “veterans” or “military families” in its name or has reputable looking seals or logos;
  • Search the charity’s name online with the words “scam” or “complaint.” See what other people say about it;
  • Check out the charity’s ratings at the Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Watch, or Charity Navigator;
  • Never pay with cash, a gift card, or by wiring money. Consider paying by credit card, which is the safest option for security and tax purposes; and
  • Read OAG’s free consumer protection resource on how to avoid Charity Scams.

If you believe you have been the victim of a scammer or to report suspicious charitable solicitations, contact OAG at 202-442-9828.

Help us spread the word about smart charitable giving by sharing this blog or our list of tips on Twitter and Facebook!