This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Charity scam artists can quickly take the cheer out of the holiday season for generous individuals, families and organizations looking to give.
A wide range of websites serves up tips and insights on how to avoid a charity scam, particularly during the holidays. Here is a sampling of sites:
AARP • Overview on how to watch for charity hoaxes during the holidays, at bit.ly/d8R3yD.
Better Business Bureau • Offers five solid practices to prevent becoming a charity scam victim during the season of giving, at bit.ly/UoUoLg.
Federal Trade Commission • Covers how to deal with a potential charity scam and how to spot the warning signs, at 1.usa.gov/epSZJv.
National Consumers League • Lists six tips to avoid a charity scam, at bit.ly/SJaxgr.
Scambusters.org • Spotlights specific scams to avoid during the season, at http://www.scambusters.org/charityscams.html.