Consumer Tips for Surviving the Holidays – part 1 of 16!

There’s a lot going on in a short time during the holidays!  From shopping to planning meals to making travel plans or fixing the house for visiting relatives, we all have a ton of stuff to manage.  Consumers need to stay on their toes to stay safe, save money and to avoid scams during this busy holiday season.  I’m counting down to Christmas by offering a tip a day. Today’s Tip: How can you make sure you are giving to a good cause?
 

Whether it’s the Salvation Army bell ring or the extra year-end appeals in the mail from our favorite charities, reminders of charitable giving are all around us during the holidays. 'Tis the season to share, after all! So while you consider which charities to give to, beware of charity scams. Unfortunately, according to the National Consumers League and other groups that fight fraud, charity scams are widespread this time of year. Think twice before you donate to obscure groups, especially those that claim to help veterans, the homeless or hungry children. Fraudulent scams often cite helping those groups, so if you care about those issues or other causes, experts suggest that you only give to charities you know and trust, not some group you have never heard of before.  Be careful though -- fraudulent charities can try to trick you by using slightly changed names of established groups.  If you’re approached by an unfamiliar charity, check it out. According to the League, most states require charities to register with them and file annual reports showing how they use donations. A great online resource is the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance at www.bbb.org/charity. The site offers ways to check out a charity and file a complaint.

Tomorrow I will blog about gift cards! See you then!