Charity FraudWritten by Kevin Carraway
Charity fraud does a lot of harm. The con artist takes advantage of people's good will and takes their cash - money that was meant for people in need. You can make sure that any money you give gets into right hands. Just remember these tips when somebody asks you for a donation.·Ask for identification - organization AND solicitor. Find out what purpose of charity is and how funds are used. ·Ask if contributions are tax deductible. ·If you're not satisfied with answers-don't give. ·Give to charities that you know. ·Check out ones you've never heard of before, or others whose names are similar to a well-known charity. ·Don't fall for high-pressure tactics. If solicitors won't take no for an answer, tell them NO anyway - BUT DON'T GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY. ·Be suspicious of charities that only accept cash. ·Always send a check made out to charity and not individual requesting donation. THE PIGEON DROP A person approaches you and says that he just found a large amount of money. What should he do with it? Maybe his "boss" can suggest something. He then leaves to check with his "boss" and comes back a few minutes later. His boss said to divide money, but first, each of you must put up some, "good faith money". Once you hand over your share, you'll never see it or con artist again.
| | Tips for Handling Bogus Phone CallsWritten by Kevin Carraway
They may say that their car has broken down and they need to phone someone for help. They may pretend to be a workman, saying that they need to check your electricity or water. They might even claim to be from council and that they are carrying out a local survey. Whatever reason a caller gives, you need to be sure that they aren't just trying to get into your home to steal something.There are around 12,000 incidents of "distraction burglary" each year, where callers get into homes and then steal cash or valuables while occupier is distracted in some way. Sometimes they work in pairs, with one doing talking while other is stealing and they often target elderly. Be on your guard every time doorbell rings, or there's a knock at your door. Look out of your window to see who's there first and if you don't know who person is, open window slightly and talk to them that way, rather than opening your door. Alternatively, have a viewer fitted in your front door so that you can take a good look at who's there first. If your eyesight isn't so good, don't worry as you can now get wide-angle viewers to help you see better. Put door chain or door bar on before opening door and talk through gap. You could even fit a small mirror to wall next to door so that you can easily see person you are talking to. When caller has left and you've closed door, don't forget to unhook chain so that any friend or relative you have given a key to can still get in. Make sure your back door is locked if someone knocks at your front door. Sometimes thieves work together with one coming in back way, while other keeps you talking at front.
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