Connecticut’s consumer protection commissioner and attorney general are both warning state residents that there may be scams exploiting the Boston Marathon tragedy.
They provide some general warnings for protecting yourself from charity scams, including (1) never giving out your personal or financial information to anyone soliciting contributions and (2) avoiding cash donations and making checks payable to an individual. Other suggestions include:
1. donating to well-known and established charities;
2. designating in writing a preferred use for the donation (e.g., “for the families of Boston Marathon victims);
3. deleting unsolicited mail and never opening any attachments;
4. monitoring copycat organizations; and
5. checking the legitimacy of the charity or cause.
