Honest charities encourage you to do so. Where Your Money Goes Ask how much of your charity dollars go for fund-raising, administrative and general expenses, and how much is left for the program you want to support. Don't let yourself be pressured into giving and don't feel you have to contribute on the spot. No legitimate organization will expect you to contribute immediately. Be wary of charities offering to send a courier to collect your donation immediately.
Identification Ask to see identification for both the solicitor and the charity.
If the solicitor refuses, hang up and report it to local law enforcement authorities. Beware of The Name Game Don't be fooled by a convincing name. A crooked charity will often have an impressive name, or one that closely resembles the name of a respected organization. When making donations, simply make a check out to the charity itself, not to the paid solicitor, and use the charity's full name. That way you have a record of the contribution and the money goes directly to the charity.