Don't Make These Mistakes On 'Giving Tuesday'
BOSTON (CBS) 'Giving Tuesday' can be a refreshing way to pay it forward after shopping 'til you drop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
But before you pull out the checkbook or hand over your credit card information to what looks like a good cause, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has some tips on what to watch out for when donating to charity.
Giving Tuesday Don'ts:
Don't Let A Charity's Name Fool You: "Some phony charities, including for-profit companies, have sympathetic sounding names, or names that closely resemble those of respected, legitimate charities," Healey writes.
Don't Fork Over Cash: The attorney general says paying by check is better, and don't give your credit card number out over the phone.
Don't Be Pressured By An Organization: It may be called Giving Tuesday, but take more than a day to decide if you're unsure. Healey says to watch out for a "hard luck tale," and know that reputable charities will tell you exactly how you're money would be used.
READ: The Attorney General's Guide To Charitable Giving (PDF)
Don't Get Tempted By Freebies: Just because you get something for free from a charity in your mailbox, it doesn't mean you should feel compelled to donate. Healey notes that it's illegal to demand payment for unordered items.
Don't Be Afraid To Hang Up On Solicitors: Just say thanks, but no thanks if you're not interested when someone gives you a call or knocks on your door. "You don't need to be rude, but you do need to protect yourself," Healey says.
On Monday, Healey released a report that found professional solicitors collected $543 million in 2014, and $338 million of that money ended up with legitimate charities. That amounts to about 62 cents of every dollar donated.
"We always encourage people to give generously to the charities that benefit those in need in our state," Healey said in a statement. "During this season of giving, we also remind people to do their due diligence before they donate their dollars to ensure they are maximizing the impact of their contributions and that donations are going to a worthy cause."