Source: ClarksvilleNow.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – When tragedy or natural disaster strikes, people want to help in any way they can and often that means through monetary donations. Unfortunately, scammers can seize this opportunity to take advantage of your compassion. The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs wants Tennesseans to donate to legitimate charities and avoid falling prey to scammers looking to use a real-life tragedy to line their own pockets.
“Tennesseans have big hearts and are always ready to help in time of need, but that can make them easy targets for people who want to profit from others’ misfortunes,” said TDCI Consumer Protection Director Cynthia Wiel. “By staying informed of the latest scams and researching an organization before giving, you can help ensure your hard-earned money goes where you intended.”
The Division of Consumer Affairs offers the following helpful tips for consumers who are considering making a donation to a charity organization or relief fund:
• You should never be rushed or feel pressured to make a donation. Always take your time to research the organization that’s contacting you or that you are looking to donate to:
o Check to see if the organization is registered with the Secretary of State’s office at http://tnsos.org/charitable/CharitableOrgReports.php.
o Conduct an online search of the organization name.
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