The vast majority of phone call solicitations for charity are legitimate. Of note, even though you may have registered for the “Do-not-call” registry, politicians and non-profits are exempt. However, scam artists know this as well and thus here are a few tips to consider the next time you receive a solicitation via telephone from a charity or non-profit you may not be affiliated with:
- Never give out credit card, bank account, or other personal information over the phone.
- Beware of “sound alike” organizations that have names similar to responsible, reputable charities. Don’t be swayed merely by a benevolent-sounding name.
- Remember that you have the right to end the phone call whenever you wish. You should never feel coerced into giving
- Although you are still eligible to receive calls soliciting contributions after you’ve registered your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry, you do have some recourse. If you receive a call from a third-party telemarketer on behalf of a charity (rather than the charity itself), then you can ask that firm to stop calling. If the telemarketing firm calls again soliciting for the same charity, then that firm could face a fine.