information for regulators in each state available on its website . Your state office also can verify how much of your donation goes to the charity, and how much goes to fundraising and man-agement expenses. Trust your gut and check your records. Callers may try to trick you by thanking you for a pledge you didn't make. If you don't remember making the donation or don't have a record of your pledge, resist the pressure to give. Be wary of charities that spring up overnight. This is especially true after natural disasters. They may make a compelling case for your money, but as a practical matter, they probably don't have the infrastructure to get your donation to the affected area or people. Watch out for similar sounding names. Some phony charities use names that closely resemble those of respected, legitimate organizations. If you notice a small difference from the name of the charity you intend to deal with, call the organization you know to check it out. Be wary of charities eager to collect cash. If they say they are sending a courier or offering overnight delivery service to collect your donation immediately, you have to wonder whether the charity is legitimate. Know the difference between "tax exempt" and "tax deductible." Tax exempt means the organization doesn't have to pay taxes. Tax deductible means you can deduct your contribution on your federal income tax return. Do not send or give cash donations. Cash can be lost or stolen. For security