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• uses high-pressure tactics to secure a donation before the potential donor has had a chance to make an informed decision about giving;
• asks for donations in cash;
• offers to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect the donation immediately;
• guarantees sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution.
Charity Checklist
Consider the following precautions to ensure that your donation dollars benefit the people and organizations you want to help. They’re good practices whether you’re contacted by an organization’s employees, volunteers, or professional fund-raisers soliciting donations by phone, mail, or in person.
• Be wary of appeals that tug at your heart strings, especially pleas involving patriotism and current events. Although the De-
partment of Defense does not endorse any specific war-related charity, you can visit their Web site at www.army.mil/operations/ oif/FAQ.html to find out about military relief societies that provide assistance to U.S. service members and their families.
Helping Senior Consumers Avoid Fraud 55