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Unfortunately, there
are con artists who pretend to be raising money for charity, but
keep donations for their personal gain. They may contact you by
mail, e-mail, telephone or in person. Once a donation has been made,
there is usually nothing you can do to get it back. Before making
any donation, be careful!
Know
the Facts
Donations are a critical
source of funding for many worthwhile causes. Unfortunately, there
are con artists who pretend to be raising money for charity, but
keep donations for their personal gain. They may contact you by
mail, e-mail, telephone or in person. Once a donation has been made,
there is usually nothing you can do to get it back. Before making
any donation, be careful!
Ask
Before You Give
- Can I get a tax receipt?
- What's your charitable
registration number?
- How much of my donation
goes directly to helping others? How much goes for administration
and fundraising costs?
- Can you mail me more
information before I donate?
Beware
of ...
- High-pressure solicitors
who want you to contribute immediately.
- Someone who calls
you and thanks you for a pledge you don't remember making.
- Names that sound like
well-known charities. Many con artists use copycat names.
- Mail-box address instead
of street address.
- Temporary tables in
public places where you asked for spare change.
Protect
Yourself
- Don't give in to pressure.
- Never give cash -
make cheques payable to the charity's full name.
- Never give out personal
information.
- Ask for a tax receipt.
- Check facts. Reject
vague answers.
Remember
- Real charities are
always ready to answer questions - they have nothing to hide.
- Once you've given
your money away, there is usually very little that can be done
to get it back. Prevention is the key.
- It's your money and
you have a right to know how it will be spent.
- By making informed
donations, you will ensure that your money is going to help real
charities.
For
more information...
| Ministry
of Consumer and Business Services |
| Consumers
Services Bureau |
1-800-899-9768
|
www.cbs.gov.on.ca |
| Office
of the Public Guardian and Trustee, Charitable Property Program |
| Ministry of the
Attorney General |
1-800-366-0335 |
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www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/pgt |
| Canada
Revenue Agency, Charities Directorate |
To
find out if a charity is registered for tax purposes |
| |
1-800-267-2384 |
www.cra.gc.ca/charities |
| To
file a complaint: call Local Police or Project PhoneBusters:
1-888-495-8501 |
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based
on brochure from Ontario Government, Consumers Services Bureau
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