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04/29/2010
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REGION

Residents urged to be wary of charity scams

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By Brant Sappington the number of bogus telemarketing raising funds on the charity's behalf Recipients of these types of calls
StaffWrtter calls continues to increase. for a fee. should also ask for information about
The bureau strongly encourages all People should also ask how much of what the charity does. If they can't
Mississippians are being urged to consumers to investigate any charity their donation will actually go to the clearly explain what they do, it's prob­
Ise caution when responding to tele­ before they make a contribution. charity. The BBB recommends that at
)hone solicitations for charitable dona­ "Take the time to research charities. least 65 percent of funds be given to ably a warning sign.
Those that are legitimate will welcome programs. People should never hesitate to hang
;ions.
Mississippi's reputation as one of the your donation tomorrow just as much It's also important to get the full up tile phone or a sk for time to re­
nost giving states in the nation makes as today," said Moak. "Don't succumb
to pressure to give money on the spot,
name and location of the charity be­ search and consi der the solicitation
ing solicited for. People should be ab­ before giving a donation. No legiti­
t an attractive target for con artists and be sure to use independent means solutely certain of what organization mate organization will force someone
ooking to make an unscrupulous dol­ to do your research." they're giving money to and be wary of
ar. Moak said people should first ask charity names that may closely resem­ to make an immediate decision or be
Better B ~ess Bureau of Missis­ any caller if they work for the charity ble the name of a well-known charity, uncomfortable with people doing re­
iippi President/CEO Bill Moak said or if they are a third-party company but are different. search a bout them.