Wisconsin consumers are known for their generosity in times of need – be it here at home or hundreds of miles away. As the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to dominate the news headlines, scam artists continue to find ways to take advantage of your giving ways.

 

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reminds consumers to do some homework before making a charitable donation. Scammers will use e-mails, websites, and telephone calls to make contact and solicit money – claiming they’re raising money for environmental causes or other fraudulent services relating to the oil spill.

 

“We advise consumers to contribute to organizations they know,” said Michelle Reinen, Acting Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Reputable charities don’t use high pressure tactics when seeking donations.”

 

Consumer Protection also encourages donors to avoid paying in cash. Instead; pay by debit or credit card, or write a check directly to the charity. Relating to online donations, watch out for websites with “copy-cat” names. Sham organizations like to use these names to cash in on the reputations of older, more established charities. Keep in mind most legitimate charity websites end in “.org” rather than “.com”. 

 

“We’re very proud of Wisconsin’s charitable reputation,” added Reinen. “We want all donations to be used as they’re intended.”

 

Under Wisconsin state law, most organizations soliciting for charitable donations must register and file an annual report with the Department of Regulation and Licensing. Religious and veteran organizations are exempt from registration. To check on whether a charity is registered, call: 1-608-266-5511. Additional information about charities can be obtained from the Better Business Bureau at 1-800-273-1002 and on the web at www.give.org.

  

For more consumer information, or to file a consumer complaint, contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection on the web at www.datcp.state.wi.us; via e-mail at DATCPHotline@wi.gov; or call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-422-7128.