Tsunami Relief Aid: How To Avoid Becoming A Scam Victim Marketing Articles | January 6 Blac rsey , DC 20006 Phone: (202) 303-4498 Disaster Assistance info: (866) GET-INFO (866-438-4636) To make a donation: (800) HELP-NOW (800-435-7669) http:www.redcross.org
Oxfam America 26 West Street Boston, MA 02111 For general questions about Oxfam's work or to make a donation, please call: In the US: 800-77-OXFAM (800-776-9326) Outside the US: 617-482-1211 http:www.oxfamamerica.org
AmeriCares Foundation 88 Hamilton Ave Stamford, CT 06902 1-800-486-HELP (4357) https:www.americaresfoundation.net
In addition Network for Good is an online resource for all types of legitimate and registered non-profit organizations, including your favorite charities:
Network For Good 8615 Westwood Center Dr. Suite 1A Vienna, VA 22182 Phone: 703-265-3683 http:www.networkforgood.org
Listed below are some tips to aid you in giving safely both online and offline:
1. Make sure you have the exact name of the organization. Some charities or charity web sites have names that sound similar and you need to make sure it's a legitimate nonprofit. Before you give online you should be familiar with the name and reputation of the charity you intend to support. If in doubt check with your local United Way or Community Information Center, they may be familiar with the charity.
2. Only give to charities recognized by the appropriate governmental body in their respective country. Look for the charity to explain their tax ? exempt nonprofit (NGO) status in a FAQ or similar area of their web site. You should also be aware that some advocacy organizations are not allowed by law to issue tax deductible receipts Black L.J. Collier Jersey , you may still wish to support their work, however our advice is to understand before you make the gift what type of tax receipt you can expect.
3. Any legitimate charity seeking your support via the Internet or offline will give you ample opportunities to ask questions and to learn about their mission. In the US you can learn a lot about a charity by ask for the document the charity files with IRS each year called the 990 Form. Nonprofit organizations are required by law to provide this information when asked. If you prefer you can find a copy already posted online at http:www.guidestar.org
4. Make sure the charity site uses encryption technology that ensures appropriate security for online donations and data transmission. Before entering any information you consider sensitive (i.e. credit card number, personal identification data, etc) Black Chris Carson Jersey , verify that the page requesting your credit card information is secure (encrypted). The letters https:?rather than http:? should precede the page's URL andor there should be an unbroken key or padlock symbol located in the corner of the web browser. If in doubt, contact the charity by telephone or by e-mail before you provide the information online.
5. The Internet provides tremendous opportunities to support the charity of your choice directly. Don't get taken in by "charity" or "someone is in need" chain letters. E-mails that claim money will go to a specified charity each time the message is forwarded are not true. If your charity does not provide online giving opportunities at their web site, consider giving through Network for Good which provides all registered charities in the U.S. the ability to receive online donations.
6. Check for a privacy policy concerning the use of your name, e-mail address or other personal information. Don't disclose personal information Frank Clark Jersey , such as your address, telephone number, social security number, or e-mail address ?unless you know who's collecting the information and how they plan to use it.
7. Print a copy of the final confirmation screen that appears when you have made your gift. In addition Rees Odhiambo Jersey , keep a copy of your charitable gift confirmation e-mail for your records. If you do not receive a confirmation of the gift by e-mail (and in most cases by mail as well), do not give to that charity online again, until you are certain they have brought their online solicitation policies inline with these tips. In such cases, contact the charity to make sure they received your gift and request confirmation of the gift.