TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - When it comes to donations to charitable organizations, state agriculture commissioner Adam Putnam wants to remind you to be on the look out for any organizations that may be scamming you in the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando.
To make sure you avoid charity-related scams, the department offers the following suggestions:
Consumers can help protect themselves from charity-related scams by:
- Asking questions, such as: "Who is the fundraiser and who will benefit from the donation?"; "How much of the contribution goes to the charity mentioned in the request"; and "How much of the donation goes toward administrative and fundraising expenses?";
- Be wary of emotional appeals, and be suspicious of organizations with only vague plans for dispensing the funds;
- Visiting our online Gift Givers' Guide by clicking here or calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) to find a charity's current registration status and financial information about the charity, including how much of a donation will go toward the individuals the charity intends to help versus operating expenses; and
- Reporting any suspicious charitable solicitations by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).
