• Ask for identification. 
• Ask for written information about the charity, including name address and telephone number. 
• Do not be afraid to hang up if you are not comfortable with the solicitation. Be wary if the person refuses to give the information requested.
• Be cautious of appeals that tug your heart strings, especially involving patriotism, natural disasters or current events.
• Watch for similar sounding names. Be wary of copy-cat organizations.
• Refuse high pressure appeals. Remember legitimate fund-raisers will not push you to give on the spot.

BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR CHECKBOOK 
Check out the charity with the following tools:

• Call the charity. Find out if the organization is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name.
• Check with local recipients. If a charity tells you that dollars will support a local organization such as a fire department, police department or a hospital, call the organization to verify the claim.
• Check out the charity websites and with organizations that evaluate charities:
                          BBB Wise Giving Alliance www.give.org
                          American Institute of Philanthropy www.charitywatch.org
• For many organizations financial information may be found online at:
                          www.guidestar.org
                          www.charitynavigator.org

HOW TO REPORT CHARITY FRAUD 
If you believe you are a victim of charitable solicitations fraud, contact the Delaware Attorney Generals office at the address below:

Delaware Department of Justice 
Attn: Charity Enforcement
820 North French Street, 5th Floor
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
Phone: (302) 577-8600 or (800) 220-5424
Fax: (302) 577-6499
Email: consumer.protection@state.de.us