Advice

So what do you do when you get a call soliciting money on behalf of veterans? The BBB and FTC offer this advice, which can be applied to any charitable giving:

• Even if the organization uses the words veterans or military families in its name, that doesn’t necessarily mean veterans or families of active-duty personnel will benefit from your donation. The same is true with the words police or firefighter: it doesn’t mean that any member of the local force is involved. Also, the BBB says many veterans’ charities include virtually the same words in different order or slightly different form.
• Some phony charities use names, seals, and logos that look or sound like those of legitimate organizations. Before donating, check out an organization online by visiting any of the following: National Association of State Charity Officials, Guidestar, Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, CharityNavigator, or American Institute of Philanthropy. You can also check out charities with your state government’s charity registration agency, usually through the attorney general’s office.
• Donate to charities with a track record and a history. Charities that spring up overnight may disappear just as quickly.
• Look for a clear program description of the organization’s activities in its appeals and Web site. For example, if it says it is helping veterans, does it explain how (financial, housing, counseling, etc.) and where it is doing so? Don’t hesitate to ask the caller for written information on the charity’s programs and finances.
• Don’t let yourself be pressured into making an immediate on-the-spot donation. Charities should welcome gifts whenever provided.
• Do not send or give cash donations. For security and tax-record purposes, it’s best to pay with a check made payable to the charity. And ask for a receipt showing the amount of your contribution.
• If you’re donating a car, find out how much of the auction price for donated cars actually goes to the charity. Sometimes the charity receives only a small portion of the resale price. Also be mindful of the latest IRS rules on deducting such gifts.
• Be wary of promises of guaranteed sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution. You never have to give a donation to be eligible to win a sweepstakes.

The BBB offers a more detailed booklet with advice about vetting solicitations.