Let's Talk About Scams5 Nov 2023

Unmasking Charity Scams: Protecting Your Holiday Generosity

In this episode, Joyce Petrowski dives into the intricate world of scams, reviewing the anatomy of a scam, breaking down their anatomy into three critical components: initiating contact, creating a compelling reason to act, and requesting payment. The spotlight is on charity scams, a prevalent threat, especially during the holiday season. Scammers exploit global events, natural disasters, and conflicts to prey on emotions and solicit donations. Joyce emphasizes the importance of verification in safeguarding your contributions. Use trusted resources like IRS.gov and CharityNavigator.org to verify charities, and search by their tax ID number for accuracy. Request a tax determination letter if you have doubts about a charity’s legitimacy. Whether donating online, over the phone, or by mail, always verify the charity’s website, phone number, and address to avoid falling victim to scams. Approach unexpected contact with skepticism, question their motives, and remember that scams can happen to anyone, regardless of age or intelligence. Key Takeaways:

Verify website, phone number, and address when donating to protect yourself from charity scams.
Charity scams surge during the holidays; scammers exploit global events to solicit donations.
Verify charities using IRS.gov and CharityNavigator.org; search by tax ID number for accuracy.
Request the tax determination letter if unsure about a charity’s legitimacy.
Approach unexpected contact with skepticism, question their motives, and stay informed.
Scams can happen to anyone, so share knowledge to protect yourself and your community.

Visit www.RoseAdvocacy.org for additional resources and newsletters to safeguard against scams. Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual professional/legal advice. The podcast information was carefully compiled from vetted sources and references; however, R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will not fall victim to a scam.

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