Press Releases
10/17/2022
Attorney General Tong, Commissioner Seagull Urge Awareness During International Charity Fraud Awareness Week
(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong and Department of
Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull are urging Connecticut
charities and donors to be on alert for bad actors and scams during this
year’s International
Charity Fraud Awareness Week, a global campaign to prevent and
fight fraud in the charity sector.
All charities, NGOs and not-for-profits are susceptible to fraud
and can be easily targeted by bad actors looking to take advantage of them.
Those providing services and supporting local communities may be especially
vulnerable to fraudsters attempting to exploit recent crises such as the war in
Ukraine and Hurricanes Fiona and Ian to carry out fraud and
cybercrime. Donors looking to give charitably this season are also targets
for bad actors who prey upon their generosity by creating fraudulent charities.
“As we approach the holiday season and the prime time for
charitable giving, it’s important to be on alert for bad actors and
scammers looking to not only swindle generous people out of their money, but also
prevent people in need from getting the support they deserve,” Attorney
General Tong said. “While there are many good-hearted people who want
to help others in their time of need, there are also scammers lurking to take
advantage of the situation. Be sure to do your homework and check
whom you’re dealing with. Don’t give in to high pressure tactics. And remember:
if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
“As we enter the holiday season, when charitable giving is at its
peak, we remind everyone to use caution and do their research as they consider
where to direct their donations this year,” said DCP Commissioner Michelle
H. Seagull. “We don’t want to discourage anyone from being generous. Our
goal is to empower consumers and charitable organizations alike to make wise
choices and avoid becoming the victim of a scam.”
Tips for Giving Safely This Year:
Here are some tips to protect yourself from fraud and ensure you are donating to legitimate charities and organizations:
• Do your homework. Before making a charitable donation, make sure you know who
you are dealing with and what your donation will be used for. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving
Alliance, Charity
Navigator, or Guidestar are
good resources for verifying a charity is legitimate.
• Charities soliciting in Connecticut must be registered with the Department of
Consumer Protection. You can verify a registration by visiting elicense.ct.gov.
• Don’t be pressured. Do not donate if the solicitor uses high-pressure
tactics, asks for payment in cash or insists on sending someone to pick up your
donation
• Be careful when giving out your personal information or credentials.
Sometimes donors are required to make an account with their personal
information to give to a charity. Those accounts can be compromised, and your
information can be stolen.
• Keep records of your donations. If you donate by credit card, check your
statements closely to make sure you’re charged only for what you agreed to
donate.
Protecting Your Charity:
If you run a charity or non-profit organization, it is important
that you protect yourself from fraud. Now more than ever, charities need to be
fraud aware and take steps to protect their assets, donations, and information
from bad actors.
• Don’t click on links within unexpected or unsolicited emails and text
messages.
• Always double check whom you’re working with. Criminals are experts at
impersonating people and businesses.
• Thoroughly vet unsolicited offers of ‘free help’ or financial support where
an advanced fee payment is required.
• Regularly check your charity’s bank statements to spot unusual or suspicious
activity.
Connecticut residents may report charity related fraud by contacting the Office
of the Attorney General via email at attorney.general@ct.gov or
by calling 860-808-5318. Complaints can be filed at https://www.dir.ct.gov/ag/complaint/.
Consumers can also report instances of fraud to The Department of
Consumer Protection by emailing dcp.complaints@ct.gov or
by visiting www.ct.gov/DCP/complaints.
For more information on charity fraud prevention, visit www.preventcharityfraud.com.
- Twitter: @AGWilliamTong
- Facebook: CT Attorney General
Media Contact:
Elizabeth Benton
elizabeth.benton@ct.gov
Consumer Inquiries:
860-808-5318
attorney.general@ct.gov