Giving to Charity

Consumers, especially elderly consumers, are urged to be cautious when giving to charitable organizations during the holiday season. Florida law requires charitable organizations, professional solicitors and fund raising consultants to register annually with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and provide documentation about their finances before soliciting contributions in the state. To assist you in making an informed decision, the Department has created the “Gift Givers' Guide.” The “Gift Givers' Guide” tells you how each charity spends its money. It can be viewed on our website at: www.800helpfla.com. 

Here are a few quick tips about giving to charities:

• Be aware of groups or individuals who solicit by telephone, mail and door-to-door. Other groups to be wary of are ones who solicit on street corners. While they ask for charitable contributions, little is known about their charity or charitable purpose. 
• Be cautious of charities with similar sounding names. Some phony charities use names that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations.
• Often times the elderly are taken advantage of because of their vulnerability. Elderly consumers are encouraged to discuss charitable giving with a trusted family member or friend.
• Do not give out personal information, such as your Social Security number or credit card and bank account numbers. 
• Do not give cash. For security and tax record purposes, it is best to pay by check. 
• Research a charitable organization before making a contribution. Researching the organization will help to reassure you that your money is going to a worthwhile cause.

Check the status of a registered organization by calling the Department’s Consumer Hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) calling within Florida, (850) 488-2221 calling outside Florida, ¡Español! 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832), or by visiting our web site at www.800helpfla.com.

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