Secretary Gessler promotes wise charitable giving

Denver, Colorado, December 16, 2014 - Today Secretary of State Scott Gessler called on Coloradans to give generously to their favorite charities during this holiday season but also to be on guard against charity scams circulating at this time of year. Gessler offered his wise giving tips and a database of information about charities raising funds in Colorado to help them make informed decisions.

"Coloradans have a history of strongly supporting our non-profit community," Gessler said. "As you plan for your year-end donations, please visit CheckTheCharity.com to maximize your donations and avoid fly-by-night solicitors."

Most charities that solicit contributions in Colorado are required to register with the Secretary of State. The registration filings include information about the organization's leadership, mission, financial efficiency, and commercial fundraisers. Paid solicitors that raise funds in Colorado also register, and their disclosure forms show the duration and results of any solicitation campaigns conducted.

Gessler offers the following ten wise giving tips:

1. Ask for the registration number of the charity and paid solicitor.
2. Make a note of the individual caller's first and last name and the name of the telemarketing company that employs the caller.
3. Ask the solicitor how much of the donation will go to the charity, whether the donation is tax-deductible, and what charitable programs it will support.
4. Do not pay in cash. Donate by check made payable to the charity or use the charity's website to donate by credit card.
5. Make sure you are visiting the official website of the charity you wish to support, and beware of lookalike websites, especially if you are asked to provide personal financial information.
6. Research the charity's disclosure and financial statements on the Secretary of State's web site.
7. Be wary if the charity fails to provide information about its finances. Reputable charities will gladly provide the information requested.
8. Watch out for charities with names that sound similar to well-known organizations. These sound-alike names are intended to confuse.
9. If solicited in person, ask to see the solicitor's identification.
10. If you feel uncomfortable, just say, "No, thank you."

Colorado residents may also access the state's annual reports on charitable giving at http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/charities/annualReports.html. The reports analyze and illustrate the information reported by registered charities and paid solicitors, most notably the results of the joint solicitation campaigns they conducted during the previous year. The 2014 annual report will be available on January 15, 2015.

Consumers should report suspected fraudulent charitable solicitations to the Colorado Secretary of State's Office or the Attorney General's Office.