It's the holiday season and after a very tough year for many, the desire to help others and give back is strong in the Hudson Valley. Giving is a gracious and compassionate thing to do, just make sure that your money is going where you think it is.
According to Lisa Morris, HVCU Assistant Vice President, the holidays are a risky time for scams from fake charities, and this year scammers are even more sophisticated. What can you do to protect yourself? Here are a few simple steps you can take.
Before opening your wallet, or giving out an account number, look the organization up on-line and search with the words scam or fraud and see what pops up.
There are organizations that keep an eye on reputable charities and those that aren't, such as Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, Wise Giving Alliance, and more.
Lisa also reminds us to check and see if the organization is registered with the state since most states require organizations to do so before asking for donations.
You can find more information on scams and other safety tips by visiting FTC.gov/Charity.
Happy New Year and thank you for all you do to make the Hudson Valley a great place to live.
Photos: Getty Images