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NEWARK
– The State Division of Consumer Affairs
today launched a new online resource: a
detailed, online listing of the “Top
10 Inquired About Charities in New Jersey,”
with details on how those charities use
their funds, the charities’ stated
mission, and additional information.
The
list, which will be updated bimonthly, is
available at: www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charity/inquired/
“Before
consumers contribute to a charity, they
should know how their money will be used.
Consumers should also easily be able to
access fundamental information about that
charity, including its income and expenses.
Our objective is to share this information
with consumers, so they can make a more
informed decision as to how much and to
whom they may wish to give,” Thomas
R. Calcagni, Acting Director of the Division
of Consumer Affairs, said. “Our message
to New Jersey’s consumers is: Investigate
before you donate.”
The
list highlights the ten charities that have
generated the most calls from consumers
to the Division’s Charities Registration
hotline during the most recent two-month
period. The large number of calls received
for any of the listed charities may be the
result of a charity soliciting donations
during a recent or ongoing campaign drive.
Consumers
can turn to the State Division of Consumer
Affairs’ Directory of Registered Charities,
at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charity/chardir.htm
, for information on the income and expenses
reported by every charity registered to
solicit funds in the State.
To
obtain more detailed financial information
by requesting a charity’s annual filing
information, consumers can call the Division’s
Charities Registration hotline, 973-504-6215,
from 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays.
National
Consumer Protection Week (NCPW)
is a coordinated campaign that encourages
consumers nationwide to take full advantage
of their consumer rights and make better-informed
decisions. NCPW 2011 takes place March 6
through 12, 2011.
More
information designed to help consumers protect
themselves is offered free of charge at
the State Division of Consumer Affairs NCPW
website at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov
. Information is also available at the official
National Consumer Awareness Week website,
www.NCPW.gov
.
Consumers
who believe they have been cheated or scammed
by a business, or suspect any other form
of consumer abuse, can file a complaint
with the State Division of Consumer Affairs
by visiting its website, www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov,
or by calling 1-800-242-5846
(toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.
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