MAKE YOUR DONATIONS COUNT 

The Delaware Department of Justice - Attorney General’s Office enforces the Delaware Charitable/Fraternal Solicitation Act of 1966. 
Don't become a victim of charity fraud. Give wisely. Use the information below to make your donations count. 

HOW TO HANDLE CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
Regardless of the format of the solicitation either mail or telephone, if you don't know or recognize the person or charity, ASK QUESTIONS.

• 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