Secretary of State Davidson Warns Citizens About Safe Giving

Denver, December 29, 2004 - Today Secretary of State Donetta Davidson advises citizens to beware of giving to fraudulent organizations, as they make last-minute charitable donations in 2004. Davidson also warns citizens about giving to charities that are not registered with the Secretary of State’s office as required by law.

"In view of the terrible tragedy that happened in the areas around the Indian Ocean, I am concerned that illegitimate organizations may be asking for funds to help those in need overseas; however, if they have not filed as required with the Secretary of State’s office, they are not legally eligible to accept your donations," said Donetta Davidson. "Many fraudulent organizations may be preying on your emotions and simply taking your hard-earned dollars," Davidson added.

Davidson urges Coloradoans to give to those less fortunate, but asks that citizens do their research before giving: "Our hearts go out to the people who have been hurt and whose lives have been wrecked, and we naturally want to offer our generous and speedy assistance. Just let’s not be duped in the process." The Secretary of State’s office has created a searchable database where citizens can search the financial records of charities soliciting in Colorado. Please visit www.sos.state.co.us and click on the "Licensing Center" for more information.

Tips on Wise Giving

• Ask for the solicitor’s registration number and the registration number of the charity they are representing.
• Check the charities disclosure and financial statements on the Secretary of State’s office website.
• If they are required to file the federal form 990 or 990-EZ with the IRS, ask to see it.
• Find out if your donation will be tax-deductible.
• Ask the solicitor how much of the donation will go to the charity.
• Request printed material that describes the charity’s programs, details how it uses its money, and lists its address and phone number.
• Be wary if the charity does not want to provide information about its programs and finances. Reputable charities will gladly provide the information requested.
• Watch out for charities with names that sound similar to well-known organizations. Sometimes these sound-alike names are simply intended to confuse donors.
• Do not pay in cash – donate by check made payable to the charity.
• If you feel uncomfortable simply, say "No thank you."

Consumers should report suspected fraudulent charitable solicitations to the Colorado Secretary of State's Office at 303-894-2200 ext. 6407.