By KWGS News/National Weather Service
Oklahoma City, OK –
Many Oklahomans have opened their hearts and their wallets to assist those impacted by the recent tragedy in Haiti, and Attorney General Drew Edmondson wants Oklahomans to make sure their charitable dollars end up where they intended.
"Oklahomans always give generously when we hear of others in need," Edmondson said. "But, it's also important to give wisely. In the wake of a natural disaster, we inevitably hear about charity frauds and schemes. We are issuing this advisory today to remind Oklahomans to do their homework before making a donation."
To help consumers make wise giving choices, Edmondson's office is offering a giving guide for donating to charities. The guide provides tips for giving and questions to ask solicitors.
Tips include:
Beware of appeals that are long on emotion but short on fact.
Do not be fooled by charities with names that sound similar to a legitimate charity.
Ask for written information before giving.
Do not be pressured into giving.
"We put this giving guide together as a resource for Oklahomans who want to ensure their charitable donation is going to a reputable, legitimate organization," Edmondson said. "We haven't yet received any reports of attempted fraud in Oklahoma, but past experience tells us the con men are coming."
Anyone with information regarding suspected fraud or scams can contact the attorney general's consumer protection hotline at (405) 521-2029. Edmondson's Consumer Protection Unit has statewide jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute violations of the state's Consumer Protection Act.