Give wisely this holiday season

By Greg Abbott

During this season of joy and thanksgiving, Texans across the state will generously donate their time and money to support a wide array of charitable endeavors. From offering change to Salvation Army volunteers to collecting gifts for needy families, well-meaning Texans will have ample opportunities to support those who are less fortunate. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to forget that unscrupulous scam artists are eager to take advantage of Texans’ generosity.
Fortunately, just a little research can help you ensure your donations actually help the neediest among us. To avoid falling victim to a holiday scammer, always remember to ask questions and check the facts.
Who wants your money? Texans who are approached by a person seeking a donation should ask for an official identification or other documentation proving the individual is associated with a charitable organization. Even if a solicitor mentions a well-known charity, it is important to ask for the organization’s address and telephone number. Be cautious of copycat organizations using a name similar to a well-known charity. In the Internet age, scam artists may resort to spam email solicitations that appear to support a legitimate charity’s website but actually direct donors to fraudulent websites that subject donors to the threat of identity theft.
Potential donors who have never heard of the purported charity mentioned by the solicitor should seek additional information or even conduct their own research. Legitimate charities will not object if a donor asks for additional time to research the organization and its charitable work.

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