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Not All Charities Are Created Equal

As tempting as it may be to donate funds to another orcharity, not all charities are created equal... and some may even be scams!
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CPA, Author, personal finance expert and small business champion

CPA, Author, personal finance expert and small business champion
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NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 03: Volunteers from the non-profit Red Hook Initiative hand out clothing on November 3, 2012 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Red Hook area remains without power or water 5 days after Superstorm Sandy. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 03: Volunteers from the non-profit Red Hook Initiative hand out clothing on November 3, 2012 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Red Hook area remains without power or water 5 days after Superstorm Sandy. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Two weeks after Hurricane Sandy slammed the East Coast, claiming (as of this writing) 110 lives, the American Red Cross has raised $117 million as of Nov. 9 and dispensed all of its emergency response vehicles to help the hard-hit areas.

The American Red Cross has also been under fire by critics who are calling the charity's response to the Hurricane Sandy recovery effort as slow. As tempting as it may be to donate funds to another or new charity, not all charities are created equal... and some may even be scams!

The IRS is warning potential donors about scams because scammers usually surface during national disasters! In addition, I also have some tips to help protect you from scammers!

  1. Donate money and property to recognized charities. You won't get a tax deduction for donating to a charity not recognized by the IRS.

  • Visit the IRS website at IRS.gov to find legitimate and qualified charities to make a tax deductible donation. On the website, go to "Exempt Organizations", then "Select Check."

  • You can also visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website at fema.gov for other qualified disaster focused charities.

  • Don't give or send cash! Donate with a credit card or check for better proof of donation.

  • Scammers often solicit from victims via phone or mimic reputable charities via email. If you receive either, ask for the organization's name, phone number and website address and confirm their existence with the IRS or FEMA.

    • Avoiding scammers and their sophisticated schemes will allow you to help the many people affected by Hurricane Sandy. After all, "Charity Begins at Home."

    I need your comments below, or reach out to me at info@EbongEka.com or visit EbongEka.com!

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