By combining the resources of the Bureau with the Attorney General's office, we are hoping to reach a much bigger audience than if we had campaigned on our own. Both the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General's office publish reports on charitable organizations. The AG's office's annual report on local charities is available after November 21, 1996. The BBB reports on both local and national charitable organizations. Look at the name of the charity very carefully.
Many charities use names that are similar to legitimate charities.
If your donation is first going to a fund raising agency, find out exactly how much of your donation will be forwarded to the charity. Find out how much of your donation actually benefits the charity as opposed to administration costs. Do not give cash. Write out a check to the charity's full official name, not the individual collecting the donation. Do not give in to pressure to donate on the spot.