ICCC - Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes Scam

ICCC - Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes Scam.

Source : Internet Crime Complaint Center

Since late May and early June 2008, there have been several natural disasters throughout the country – including tornadoes, wildfires, and floods – which have devastated lives and property.

In the wake of these events which have caused emotional distress and great monetary loss to numerous victims, individuals across the nation often feel a desire to help these victims, frequently through monetary donations.

Tragic incidents, such as 9/11, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the recent earthquake in China, have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a good cause.

Therefore, before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, to include the following:

- Do not respond to unsolicited (SPAM) e-mail.

- Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting via e-mail for donations.

- Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.

- Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.

- To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.

- Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly accessing the recognized charity or aid organization's website rather than following an alleged link to the site.

- Attempt to verify the legitimacy of the non-profit status of the organization by using various Internet-based resources, which also may assist in confirming the actual existence of the organization.

- Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions: providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.

To obtain more information on charitable contribution schemes and other types of online schemes, visit http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com/.

If you are a victim of an online scheme, please notify the IC3 by filing a complaint at http://www.ic3.gov/.