Charity Fraud

There are more than 20,000 charitable organizations registered with the Illinois Attorney General's Office.  Which charity should you donate to?  Here are a few questions that you may want to ask so you can determine if that organization will use your money wisely.

• Is the organization registered with the Illinois Attorney General's Office?

• What is the organization's exact name?  Some fraudulent operations will use a name very similar to a well known organization.

• Where is the organizations headquartered?

• Does the organization have a local office?

• What is the address and telephone number of the local and national office?

• What programs does the organization offer in your community?

• What is the primary purpose of the organization?

• How long has the organization been in operation?

• What percentage of the money collected goes to fund raising?

• What percentage of the money collected goes to administer the program(s)?

• What percentage of the money collected goes to fund the charitable program?

• Is the solicitor a volunteer or paid?  If the solicitor is paid, a part of your donation will pay his/her salary.

• If the solicitor is paid, how much does he/she make?

• Will the organization provide a current financial statement?  Under the Charitable Trust and Solicitation Acts, charities and professional fund raisers are required, upon request, to disclose the percentage or hourly rate of contributions that go to professional fund raisers and solicitors and the percentage that actually goes to the charity.

If the solicitor can not answer your question to your satisfaction, do not give.  If the solicitor uses high-pressure tactics in an attempt to obtain a donation, do not give.  Don't be pressured or rushed to make a donation.  If the solicitor insists that you make your donation in cash rather than check, do not give.  If the solicitor insists on sending someone else to pick up your donations rather than letting you  mail your donation, do not give.  If the solicitor says that he is representing a local group or organization, call the office or agent of that organization or group to determine if they are having a fund drive and if that person or company is involved in the drive.

If you would like to check if a charity or professional fund raiser is registered with the Illinois Attorney General's Office, you can write to the Office of the Attorney General/Charity Trust Bureau, 100 W. Randolph Street, 12th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601 or call 1-800-386-5438.