Better Business Bureau columnist Jim Winsett warns of fundraising scams,
Q. My neighborhood in North Chattanooga had a person going door to door making a donation appeal for military support. Considering the recent tragedy in our community, I was uncomfortable with the solicitation and its accountability. What advice may BBB have for this type activity?
A. Sadly, when a tragedy or natural disaster occurs in an area, we usually have scammers who take advantage of the circumstances. This is an emotional time in our community; we all are somewhat still in disbelief of what has taken place. Importantly, our community wants to help in some manner. For most, a monetary donation is the opportunity we have to support the victims and their families.
Better Business Bureau offers tips when door to door solicitors come calling:
1) Do not make decisions at your front door. Do not invite unsolicited salespeople into your home. Better Business Bureau also urges consumers to be even more wary of telephone solicitations for donations.
2) Ask for identification and information. If someone is soliciting door to door, request they provide you with proper identification and leave you with material to read about their Charity or program. Legitimate solicitors will give you the time you need to research their reputation and reliability. Check with your local city regarding the rules of soliciting in your neighborhood. Many times a special license is required for door to door solicitation.
3) Watch out for high-pressure tactics. Avoid solicitors who request only cash and who tell you all the neighbors are donating. Also avoid those who say you must act immediately for they will not be able to return to the neighborhood.
4) How will donations be used? Watch for vague appeals that are not transparent in describing the intended use of the funds.
5) Financial Transparency. It is important that all organizations and door-to-door solicitors provide an accounting of how the funds will be used and how the solicitor will provide this accountability.
6) If you ever feel in danger, call local authorities. If a solicitor gets irate and/or difficult with you (for example, does not leave the premise after you asked), call the police. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and you can help report potential problems that may help others avoid precarious situations in your neighborhood.
Considering our recent local tragic event, be advised that individually some of the victims’ families have established their own assistance fund. Typically these funds are not set up as charities and may not be subject to tax charitable donations. These funds should be collected and administered by a third party, such as a bank, CPA or an attorney.
As a reminder, the following organizations have been designated with stated mission objectives to support the victims and families.
1) Mission Objective: Provide direct assistance to the victims.
National Center for Victims of Crime P.O. Box 360681 Pittsburgh, PA 152516681
Write check payable to: National Compassion Fund Chattanooga
Donate online at www. NationalCompassionFund.org
2) Mission Objective: Support long-term care and a scholarship fund for spouses and children of victims.
The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga 1270 Market St. Chattanooga, TN 37402
Write check payable to: Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga with “7-16 Freedom Fund” on the memo line of the check.
Donate online at www. cfgc.org
3) Mission Objective: The fund was created to provide a continuation of financial support to help the families and individuals directly affected by the shooting meet longer-term financial need. (Initiated by Payton Manning)
The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga 1270 Market St. Chattanooga, TN 37402
Write check payable to: Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga with “Chattanooga Heroes Fund” on the memo line of the check.
Donate online at www. cfgc.org
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau of Chattanooga.