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NEWARK
- Attorney General Paula T. Dow today reminded
residents to remain cautious of potential
scams if they receive donation requests
to aid victims of this weekend’s earthquake
in Chile.
Following
past disasters, con artists have preyed
upon the public’s generosity and compassion
to defraud donors and enrich themselves.
“Disasters
such as the one in Chile bring out the best
in people, as we seek to help those in their
time of need. But for the con artist, this
tragedy is just another means to defraud
the public. Donors need to be wary about
potential scams,” Attorney General
Dow said.
Most
charitable organizations soliciting donations
and contributions in New Jersey are required
to register with the Charities Registration
Unit within the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Charities that raise less than $10,000 annually
or are run by religious or educational institutions
are exempt from having to register.
Residents
can check on whether an organization is
registered by going to the Consumer Affairs
web site, http://njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/charities.htm
, or by calling the Charities Registration
Unit at 973-504-6215.
Potential
donors are advised to:
-
Decline to respond to any unsolicited
e-mails seeking a donation and to any
links contained within these emails;
- Decline
to give your personal identification or
financial information to anyone who solicits
contributions;
- Be
skeptical of individuals representing
themselves as surviving victims or officials
asking for donations via e- mail or social
networking sites; and
- Make
contributions directly to known charitable
organizations rather than relying on others
to make the donation on your behalf.
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