Police: Use Caution When Making Charitable Donations

Wilmington Police are reminding residents to be careful who they are giving money to when being contacted by a charity.

There are reports out of North Reading that residents are receiving phone calls from individuals saying they represent that town’s Babe Ruth League when they actually do not.

Wilmington Police posted on Facebook Wednesday that they have received a report from a Wilmington resident saying they were contacted by a group with a similar request. While police say they have not yet verified the identity of this group, they are asking residents to use caution.

Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission on verifying you are donating to a legitimate charity:

According to the FTC, with more charities and fundraising groups using the phone, email, social media and mobile devices to obtain donations, scammers use the same methods to take advantage of your goodwill. Regardless of how they reach you, they recommend avoiding any charity or fundraiser that:

• Refuses to provide detailed information about its identity, mission, costs, and how the donation will be used.

• Won’t provide proof that a contribution is tax deductible.

• Uses a name that closely resembles that of a better-known, reputable organization.

• Thanks you for a pledge you don’t remember making.

• Uses high-pressure tactics like trying to get you to donate immediately, without giving you time to think about it and do your research.

• Asks for donations in cash or asks you to wire money.

• Offers to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect the donation immediately.

• Guarantees sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution. By law, you never have to give a donation to be eligible to win a sweepstakes.

Read more tips to avoid fraudsters trying to take advantage of your generosity from the FTC >>>