Giving Wisely

• Insist on written information. Phone calls and emails aren't enough. Written materials should include the organization's name, address, phone number and mission; how your gift will be used; and proof that gifts to the organization are tax-deductible (or a clear statement that they are not).
• Check the charitable organization's record of accountability. Use one or more of the monitoring sites in the next section to review the organization's record. Don't fall for a touching story not backed-up by facts and a track record.
• Give by check, not cash. Make the check out to the organization, never an individual. Say no to any solicitation which offers to pick up the check immediately in person-this is a classic scam technique.
• Keep a record of the gift. Such records include a receipt from the recipient, cancelled check, and bank or credit card statement. Use these to support the deduction on your tax return.
• Stay alert for names that are similar to well-known legitimate organizations. Some phony charities will pick such similar names to duck under a donor's radar. Check these groups out very carefully.
• Don't fall into the following subtle traps:

• Calling the organization "tax exempt" to imply that your gift will be "tax deductible." An organization to which gifts are tax deductible typically will have a 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS
• Formatting appeals as a bill or invoice. In my opinion, this is a deceptive practice even if the material states that it is not a bill somewhere on it.
• Mentioning (in a call or letter) a pledge that you did not previously make. Hang up on the call or tear up the letter.
• Demanding payment for merchandise you didn't order. This practice is illegal-if they actually sent something you don't have to pay for or return the merchandise.