This holiday season, are you getting more calls from charities or other causes, asking you to donate to those in need? While there may be many legitimate companies and charities calling for fundraising purposes, it’s a good idea to take some precautions to be an informed consumer.
Tips to help protect you from being a victim of a charity scam:
- Ask them to send you the information in writing before committing to a donation
- Ask the telemarketer to call you back. Call up the charity yourself to confirm that they are running a fundraising campaign
- Visit the Canada Revenue Agency to ensure it is a registered charity
- If you are told that you have won a prize, remember you should never have to pay money to receive the prize
- If you do decide to donate over the phone, always keep a record of the date and the name, address and phone number of the person you spoke to. Note the charity’s name, the amount you donated and the method of payment.
Remember: signs of a scam include high pressure or threatening telemarketers who want you to contribute immediately. If you have been scammed, file a complaint with your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1.888.495.8501).
Consumer Protection BC licenses and regulates certain telemarketers. To learn more about your consumer rights (such as when telemarketers can and cannot call), visit the telemarketing section of our website.
ADDITIONAL READING:
The do not call list
Hang up on unwanted scam calls
Getting political calls about an upcoming election?