How To Help Veterans And Avoid Charity Scams

SILVER SPRING, MD — As Marylanders observe Veterans Day on Sunday, Nov. 11, they are likely to reach out to service members in need. If you're planning on making a charitable donation, the Maryland Attorney General's office wants you to be on the lookout for scammers.

"Unfortunately, some charitable donations never make it to the intended recipients. And like any other request for charitable donations, those claiming to help veterans are no exception," Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh said in a press statement. "While there are many genuine organizations that fundraise on behalf of our nation’s veterans, the Consumer Protection Division is advising Marylanders to be on the lookout for sham fundraisers. Some phony organizations may take advantage of Veterans Day to deceive well-meaning people looking to support veterans."

According to the news release the Attorney General's office has been cracking down on organizations that fraudulently claim to help those in need. In one instance, officials took legal action against an organization in southern Maryland that asked for donations outside stores and presented forged documents to possible donors. The false documents which said it was registered with the Secretary of State. All Maryland charities must register with the state.

The Consumer Protection Division said those looking to donate to organizations should do the following:

• Check if the organization is registered with the Secretary of State’s Office.
• Don't feel pressured or rushed by unscrupulous callers.
• Ask for the organization's details, including its full name, address, and phone number
• Ask where your donation will go; and, if your contribution is "solicited by an organization on behalf of another charity, ask how much actually is given to that charity."

In the press release, the Attorney General's office provided a list of red flags for Marylanders to check out. These red flags may mean that your contributions aren't going to a worthy, legitimate charity. They are as follows:

• The organization does not give you any financial information or written material ("or says they need a good-faith contribution before sharing this information with you)."
• The solicitor in question says it will send a courier to pick up your donation.
• "You receive an invoice or bill for a pledge you never made."
• "The organization’s name and logo closely resemble another charity with a similar purpose."

Charity Navigator lists reputable military and veterans charities you might consider supporting. They include:

• Travis Manion Foundation
• USO Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore
• The Gary Sinise Foundation
• Wounded Warrior Project
• Pat Tillman Foundation
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
• Honor Flight Network

Image via Shutterstock

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook.)