How to avoid fraud and make the most of your donations. Believe it or not, some con-artists have the gall to run schemes that cheat generous Iowans who think they are giving to charities and good causes. Unfortunately, some donations never reach the people who need help.
Some solicitations are outright scams and take all the funds contributed.
Others eat up so much of the money in fund raising expenses that virtually none is left for true charity. Questionable charities cheat donors, shortchange people who truly need help, and hurt legitimate charitable organizations that rely on donations. That s always the best option. Check your telephone directory for a charity s local office and contact the office. Don t be fooled by look-alike names.