Consumers Need To Check

TALLAHASSEE - Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is urging consumers to check out charitable organizations before making any donations.

As the holidays get under way, charities are gearing up for their busiest time of the year. Many collect about half their annual donations in the short time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

Florida law requires most charities that do business in the state - regardless of where they are headquartered - to register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and provide financial information about income and expenditures. There are 12,597 charitable organizations registered with the state.

"The number of charities registered with the department continues to rise, and the barrage of requests for help that consumers receive can be daunting," Bronson said. "But consumers have a wealth of information at their fingertips if they just take a little time to research a charity to ensure it is legitimate and that donations are being spent in a prudent manner."

Consumers should always make sure a charity is registered before donating and check on the complaint history. However, even if a charity is properly registered, consumers should get information about how donations are spent.

"Unfortunately, some con artists don't think twice about taking advantage of someone's generosity and giving spirit," Bronson said. "That's why it is important for consumers to find out if a charity has registered or is exempt. Failure to properly register should raise a huge red flag with consumers."

Bronson provided the following tips to consider when deciding whether to donate to an organization:

* Don't judge an organization based on an impressive-sounding name. Find out what it actually does.

* Be wary of emotional appeals and organizations that have only vague plans for spending the funds they collect.

* Never give cash. Write a check payable only to an organization, not to an individual.

* Be wary of organizations that offer to send a "runner" to pick up your donation. Reputable charities are willing to wait for your contribution.

* Ask the organization to send you its financial report and written information about its activities.

* Get the organization's federal tax identification number, which you will need to claim your contribution as a tax deduction.

* If an organization is not registered, contact the department.

The department's Consumer Hotline number is 1-800-435-7352. Up-to-date information on charities is also available by visiting the Division of Consumer Services web site at http://www.800helpfla.com.